Why Splitting the Ministry of Forests and Environment is Crucial for Our Ecosystems and Future

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 29

Environmentalists are urging the government to create a separate Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. They believe that the current setup, where the environment is part of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, is hindering effective management of air pollution and climate change.

Experts like Bhupendra Das, who focuses on air quality, argue that the merging of these portfolios overshadows critical environmental issues. He highlights that while forest preservation is essential, other pressing problems—like urban air pollution, crop burning, and harmful emissions—are being neglected. According to Das, this structure limits discussions around urgent matters related to short-term pollutants like PM2.5 and black carbon.

Das points out that the historical focus on forestry has led to a gap in addressing the grey areas of environmental policy. “The forestry focus means that discussions often favor conservation over innovation,” he states. This has resulted in a lack of attention to health-related pollutants from climate change discussions.

He suggests a new Ministry could help focus on these grey sectors and introduce zoning based on environmental sensitivity. This could lead to innovative solutions, reduce emissions, and promote investment in cleaner technologies.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Kulman Ghising raised eyebrows recently by arguing that strict ecological protections could hurt resource management. He mentioned that Nepal is importing wood from countries like China, which he sees as a reflection of flawed policies that are stifling local resource use.

Environmental activist Pramada Shah criticized Ghising’s comments, finding them troubling. She views it as a shift toward prioritizing business interests over environmental protection.

Recently, the government announced changes to environmental assessments for infrastructure projects. This includes approving studies for pipelines and roads in conservation areas, raising concerns about the balance between development and environmental health.

These discussions come in a backdrop where air pollution in Kathmandu is among the worst in the world. A recent WHO report noted that about 91% of the global population lives in areas with unsafe air quality. Amid these challenges, the call for a dedicated environmental body is becoming louder, as many see it as essential for improving not just air quality, but also public health and economic opportunities.

In conclusion, as Nepal grapples with urgent environmental challenges, the conversation around how best to manage resources and pollution is more important than ever. The need for a focused approach could be key to addressing these pressing issues effectively.

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Ministry of Forests and Environment