KATHMANDU: Students of environmental science today regretted that the government was not becoming serious towards their pertinent demands.

The government has repeatedly failed to address the issues of the environment students despite their numerous attempts. The students have been organising a series of protest programmes to pressurise the government to meet their demands, which includes environment conservation, ensuring job guarantee for the students and others.

“The Ministers neglected our demands because the bureaucracy didn’t give due importance to our issues,” the students said.

The students have accused that the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology for not taking up their issues seriously.

“Our issues have been totally sidelined lately because the country is waiting for the formation of the new government,” said Dipendra Bhattarai, vice coordinator of the Environment Student Right Struggle Committee (ESRSC). He further added that they would start their protest afresh as soon as the new government is formed.

“Environment is an issue that should concern everyone living on the planet. But nobody is taking the issue seriously here,” another student added.

The students organised numerous rallies to draw the Ministry’s attention on the issue. They also submitted a 12-point memorandum to the Ministry, but to no avail. They now have decided to organise a photo exhibition, showcasing environmental issues, and sit-in.

Bhattarai said they would continue with their protest until their demands were addressed. More than 3,000 students are studying environmental science in 12 colleges in the valley.