The Nepal Students Union, a student wing of the Nepali Congress, has launched the "Mask Movement" as a symbolic protest against the Kathmandu Valley's air pollution.
The participants of movement kicked off from the Nepal College of Information and Technology were seen wearing masks reading "Let us live, let us breathe." NSU general secretary Kundan Raj Kafle inaugurating the event said the Valley's growing dust pollution has been pushing many people toward illness daily. He suggested the government that it should come up with a special plan to address the issue which had its adverse impact on human health.
"We have not expected much from the government, just want the government to ensure the right to clean environment," he asserted.
Campaign movement and NSU central member Nawaraj Tripathi said the Valley's environment pollution level exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s standard and the campaign aimed to create a pressure for the people in authority to act against it.
The demonstration will go in front of all Valley-based campuses. The NSU has planned to reach the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office with a protest program if its demand was not addressed.
Meanwhile, a dissident group within the NSU has demanded the NSU 12th General Convention immediately. NSU co general secretary Harihar Sharma argued that the postponement of the convention date time and again would weaken the union and its strength.
