World Environment Day: Former President Bhandari insists on resolution against plastic pollution

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said the time demands a collective resolve from all of us to find a sustainable solution to issues caused by plastic pollution.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the World Environment Day today, the former Head-of-the-State stressed the need of discouraging the use of plastic, proper management of plastic waste, and its recycle and reuse, improving its collection and management mechanism.

"Plastic is one of major causes of increasing environmental pollution and it poses a grave threat to the environment and the entire human life," she reminded in the message, adding that Nepal remaining as a naturally beautiful nation with availability of abundant natural resources is not untouched by harmful effects of plastic waste.

The overuse of plastic is eroding the beauty and ecological significance of our rivers, ponds, lakes, mountains, hills and towns. It creates a severe threat to the ecological system, wildlife and human health. But still we have time for its management and reductions of the impacts. A collective resolution is needed to find a suitable solution to the problems, according to the former President.

"We are capable of facing the threats collectively and pave the way for building a clean and safe Nepal. A substantive approach and actions accordingly are needed for a minimum use of plastic, its recycle and reuse," she asserted, echoing the need for strict implementation of the rules and laws concerning the plastic production, its uses, the management of plastic waste and the adoption of eco- friendly practices.

June 5 every year is observed as the World Environment Day and it is the Day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote actions at the political and social level for the sustainable protection of the environment. This year, the Day is observed with the theme of "Solutions to Plastic Pollution" including in Nepal and it is focused on the campaign called 'Beat the Plastic Pollution'.