KATHMANDU, JANUARY 23
The Department of Environment has selected 25 schools for conducting environment protection programme for the running fiscal 2021-22.
Of the selected schools, 11 are from Bagmati, six from Province 1, three from Gandaki, two each from Karnali and Sudurpaschim, and one from Lumbini. No school in Madhes showed interest in conducting the programme.
According to a notice published by the department, schools with basic or secondary level education were entitled to grant for the programme.
The department had recently invited applications, accompanied by proposal, implementation plan, activities and cost estimate, from the interested schools. The department said the proponent schools were selected on merit basis in line with the 'School-centric Environment Protection Programme Procedure, 2019'.
A seven-member committee led by deputy director general of the department selects the schools and carries out evaluation and monitoring of the school-centric environment protection programme which lasts for one year.
As per the department, this programme aims to make 'Nepal Clean Environment' mega campaign launched by the federal government a success.
It involves expansion of greenery promotion and pollution control activities to the community and schools of all provinces for developing sanitation as a culture. It also envisages activating persons, families, and communities for environment protection by creating awareness from the school level.
The procedure requires the department to put the schools studying Environment subject on high priority for conducting the programme.
The department said it would enter into an agreement with the selected schools for conducting the programme.
The schools concerned are required to submit bills to the department for reimbursement of budget not exceeding Rs 80,000 after completion of the programme. While implementing the programme, the selected schools will have to spend the grant amount on seven activities, including plantation, waste management and pollution control measures.
A version of this article appears in the print on January 24, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
