Kathmandu, September 24:

Leaders of political parties, conservationists and people from different walks of life paid tributes to the 24 conservation icons who lost their lives in a helicopter crash at Ghunsa of Taplejung district last year.

At a programme organised here today to mark the first anniversary of their death, Water Resource and Environment Conservation Trust (WRECT)-Nepal shed light on the contribution by the 24 personalities and called everyone to follow the path shown by them.

The WRECT also informed that a memorial park would be constructed with statues of the 24

personalities at Kwake Chaur, Ram Kot VDC, Kathmandu. The construction is estimated to cost Rs 40 million.

Speaking at the programme, Indra Bahadur Gurung, State Minister for Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs said the loss of conservation heroes can be compensated only by following their plans and designs for nature conservation.

Bimal Kumar Baniya, director of the National Nature Conservation Trust, said: “Our nature is our identification, if we utilise and preserve it properly no one can prevent us from development.”

“The conservation heroes had correctly understood the affluence of our nature and wildlife

and now it is time that everyone understand the worth and walk hand in hand,” he said.

“Nature not merely enhances our glory, it can also be a good source of income to the country. Our nature is depleting everyday and that it needs immediate support to enhance the economic condition of the people,” added Baniya.

Ramesh Lekhak, State Minister for Labour and Transport Management, Additional Inspectors General of Nepal Police Rabi Raj Thapa and Hem Bahadur Gurung, WRECT patron Bhaweshwor Gurung and others were present at the programme.