Kathmandu, June 9

Despite the country facing environmental challenges, the government has not made sufficient investment in the protection of environment.

Speaking at a programme organised by Nepal Bar Association, Secretary at the Ministry of Population and Environment Bishwonath Oli said, “Low investment by the government in environment protection has put lives of the people at risk.” He also stressed that the government needed to prioritise research in the subject and said low budget allocation would not help Nepal even with regards to meeting Sustainable Development Goals.

Advocate Padam Shrestha, the coordinator at NBA,  talked about the delay in implementation of environment protection laws, which has  resulted in environmental problems  and heath hazards.

Stating that the constitution had guaranteed people’s right to live in a healthy environment, Dr Amar Prasad Panta, a senior advocate, pointed out the need for a charter detailing citizens’ duties to protect environment.