Hariyo ban Nepal ko dhan (Green Forests are Nepal's Wealth) was the country's motto at one time in the past. It was vigorously promoted from the state level. But this motto no longer holds true these days.
Now the government has come up with a policy called Green Revolution Campaign at School. The objective of this program is to promote greenery in school considered the second home of the students.
Under this campaign, all schools would have to compulsorily plant saplings in and around the school precincts.
The 39th National Education Day and 52nd International Literacy Day Program Main Committee constituted by the federal government has brought this campaign.
A meeting of the committee chaired by Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel on Sunday decided to enforce this sapling planting campaign in schools as part of the week-long marking of the National Education and International Literacy Day.
Spokesperson of the Ministry Baikuntha Prasad Aryal said even the schools without enough ground for planting saplings have been urged to plant saplings on flower pots.
According to him, the Ministry has called on the province governments, the local levels and all the schools to construct garden within the school compound, remove trash and clean up the area and also to form the Green Eco Club.
This campaign has been brought to promote greenery and a clean and healthy environment around the schools and to impart practical knowledge to students on the importance of environment conservation.
The government has started the week-long celebration in connection the National Education and International Literacy Day. The Day is marked on September 8. The national slogan for the Day this year is – 'Development of Skilled Human Resources and Sustainable Educational Infrastructure - the Basis for Building Socialism-oriented Prosperous Nation'.
It may be recalled here that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had started the campaign of planting trees at every house in course of the celebration of the World Environment Day on June 5.
Director General at the Department of National Center for Educational Research and Training Baburam Poudel believes that the call for green revolution at schools will help promote greenery and environmental protection throughout the country.
Former Minister for Science and Environment Ganesh Shah said the campaign announced by the Education Ministry was a positive step toward promoting environment conservation.
He suggested concerted efforts of the school management committee, teachers and students for the success of this campaign.
"It is not enough to only plant saplings. They have also to be looked after with love and care. We have also to instill a sense of caring for the environment in the general people and the school family," the former minister insisted.
