Gorakhpatra: Minister for Environment Sunil Manandhar has been making every effort to make his Ministry successful in achieving the target of lessening the effects of climate change and global warming. Minister Manandhar who represents the CPN- United the third biggest left party in the House says that awareness among the people is a must. Talking to The Rising Nepal, he said that protection of environment would help boost trade and development. Time has come to join hands for the protection of environment. We should take care of our environment ourselves.

He further said that common efforts are must for development and environmental protection. Excerpts

TRN – What are the major challenges of environment and climate change in Nepal?

Nepal at the moment is grappling with lots of challenges in the areas of environment and climate change. Awareness generation among the people is a must. Apart from that our Ministry is working on the Climate change agenda – CO-15 in Denmark. We are zeroing in our efforts to tackle the impact of climate change. The CO-15 decided to set up the Climate Investment Fund. Besides that the Climate Change Policy has been introduced following the formation of the High Level Climate Change Commission. On top of that National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) has already been approved by the cabinet. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have taken initiatives to activate the Pilot Project Climate Resilience (PPCR) by providing loan and soft-loans. If we talk about the challenge that we have been confronting about the climate change so far is lack of awareness.

TRN – How would the government tackle them? As a minister do you have any immediate plan for tackling the problems relating to Nepal?s environmental degradation?

The government has been taking the environmental and climate change issue very seriously. As part of its programme, the government has announced a total ban on plastic bags with less than 20 microns around Singhadurbar complex. We expect that such plastic bags will be totally banned in the country within three months. There is a need of mass campaign. We hope to issue directives within three months and an extensive interaction will be done with the stakeholders.

TRN – How do you assess the current political situation in the country? As a leader of the responsible political party in the Constituent Assembly, how would you say that the current political situation could be resolved and new statute be made within three months?

There is no alternative to the peace-process. The five-point agreement of May 28 should be thoroughly implemented. This government has cleared the way for the formation of the national unity government. The Prime Minister has already announced that he would quit the post as soon as the parties come up with solutions. If the PM resigns without alternative, that will create an anomaly. All political parties should therefore concentrate on peace process and drafting the preliminary draft of the new constitution.

Despite differences of various political parties, we (the government) are moving ahead by accommodating all for the national unity, peace process and the new constitution.

TRN – What special programme do you have to achieve the goal of your ministry?

We are trying to create a pollution-free environment. On top of that we are making the general public more involved in the environmental protection. We are very much concerned about public health and environment. With the objective of improving coordination we are holding meeting of various stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Development Ministry and others.

TRN – What course the country?s politics would take in the days ahead?

Even though it looks unpredictable, the political parties are trying to hammer out solutions amidst differences. I believe we would be able to find consensus amid differences. However, there is a need of strong will-power of various political leaders. The 12 point agreement would not have been possible without strong will power. Hence, we need that will-power at any cost.

TRN – Do you see any possibility of polarization in the country?s left movement?

It is hard to say anything at the moment. But all the left parties should be united for the common cause. Unfortunately the flexibility that left parties should have maintained, have not been successful so far. Left unity is essential, but coalition between left and non-left should also be encouraged at this critical juncture. This is time to build the nation. If we remain divided, we cannot make any progress. Hence, realizing those needs we should rather strive for unity, coalition and common approach.

TRN – I understand you, not only as a political leader, but also as a prominent trade/development analyst. Now as the Minister for Environment have you seen any environmental effect on trade and development issue in the country?

Of course, I have seen strong relationships between environment, trade and development. Environmental issues directly or indirectly affect trade because a healthy environment fosters trade. Nepal is rich in bio-diversity; hence we can utilize natural resources (without posing a negative impact on environment). There are many instances that trade and development can be promoted through the protection of environment.

For instance, development of solar power, wind power and generating power through the use of solid waste largely contribute to the environment protection. We should promote alternative energy at any cost. I think we don?t have any alternative to the alternative energy. Sustainable development is possible only when we can establish better link of environment with trade and development. Lets take the example of the most developed countries like USA, Japan and many European countries. Time has come to go for urban solar electrification.

TRN – What is the major political agenda of the CPN- (United)?

The major political agenda of the CPN- (United) is the peace-process drafting new constitution. Timely integration of army is also the agenda of our party.

TRN – What are your party?s views about state restructuring?

We are the supporter of federalism. Everybody should have access to the national resources. It is the federalism that can guarantee that rights, but it has to be implemented without any prejudice. The national unity, consensus and development should always be the priority to make the federalism a success. The country has already moved into federalism so we cannot revert. It would be seen as reversion if the process fails to move ahead.

TRN – What will happen if the new statute fails to be promulgated even after three months?

If the new statute fails to be promulgated on time the crisis will further deepen. But I believe that preliminary draft of the new statue will be made public within the given time. The government is very positive.

TRN – Who is responsible for the perennial political deadlock? For how long a country can remain in political deadlock?

No one can blame any individuals for the situation. We all are responsible for the consequences, but as a common citizen we can simply say that leaders of big parties responsible for the current state anomalies.

TRN – Finally do you have anything to add?

No exactly. But I urge all concerned people/stakeholders to be aware about protection of environment. Let?s do what we can do to preserve the environment. Common efforts are must to achieve the goal of environmental protection. Source>>

 

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