KATHMANDU: World Environment Day is being observed nationally and globally today to celebrate the environment that we live in and to spread awareness for its conservation.

The Day is marked on June 5 every year. The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Take action to #BeatAirPollution'.

In line with the global theme, Ministry for Forests and Environment is observing the day nationwide by carrying out various programmes with the motto "Fresh Air, Healthy Life". The Ministry has emphasised clean air as a requisite to live healthy, "We can't stop breathing but we can do something about the quality of our air."

On the occasion, Minister for Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet highlighted the need for each individual to play a constructive role in helping keep the environment in balance.

The Minister stressed the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to make this year's World Environment Day a success. Minister Basnet was part of a morning procession organised in Nepalgunj, Banke district to observe the World Environment Day.

Likewise, various environment-related programmes have been organised in Kathmandu Valley and throughout the country including cleanliness and plantation programmes to promote a clean and healthy environment.

The global theme of beating air pollution is highly relevant in the Nepali context at present, more so in Kathmandu Valley, as it reels under the worst kind of air pollution the city has witnessed so far. With haphazard and ever-pending construction works in the Valley, dust is one of the major air pollutants along with emissions from vehicles and factories. All these factors have made the air nearly unbreathable and now is the time for action!

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