KATHMANDU: The government is marking World Environment Day this year under a mega campaign, which is expected to be carried out throughout the year, and not be limited to ritualistic programmes.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment is marking the day by laying high emphasis on prevention of pollution in urban areas including Kathmandu Valley, management of waste, sanitation, and plantation of trees. The government has incorporated the environmental campaign in its annual policies and programmes as well as the budget.

Addressing a programme on environment conservation organised here today by Policy Research and Advocacy Hub, Minister for Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet said the environment day should be celebrated throughout the year.

"The environmental protection campaign should be tailored keeping in mind the geographical reality and practical aspects rather than imitating foreign measures," he added.

Also speaking on the occasion, conservationist Dharmaraj Uprety suggested adopting new policy for forest management while noting that pollution has increasingly affected the day-to-day life in major urban areas of Nepal. Likewise, other environment experts also suggested change in policy.

Host organisation chair Raj Shahi said that emphasis should be laid on the development of physical infrastructure and conservation of forests and environment.

Also present on the occasion were former minister and parliamentarian Satya Pahadi and general manager of the national news agency Opendra Sharma.

The World Environment Day falls on June 5 every year.