LC Project of February 2024

Name of Project:  Plastic Free Palung

Local Committee: IFSA Hetauda, Nepal 

Hetauda, Nepal – The students of the Faculty of Forestry at the Agriculture and Forestry University, under the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA Hetauda), organized a three-day “Plastic Free Palung” campaign from February 5-7. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote the reduction of plastic use in Thaha Municipality, Makwanpur District.

Palung, an ancient marketplace located in northern Makwanpur and approximately 72 kilometers from the district’s headquarters, Hetauda, was selected as the campaign site due to its lack of prior environmental programs and significant plastic waste problem. Unlike Hetauda, where numerous environmental organizations conduct awareness programs, Palung has seen fewer efforts, despite the growing pollution caused by plastics discarded on roadsides, rivers, and water sources.

Recognizing the importance of grassroots change, IFSA-Hetauda took the initiative to engage with the local community and visited various areas of Thaha Municipality to observe and assess the local management of plastic waste, which responded positively to the campaign. The students believe that starting environmental action at the local level, especially in less urbanized and educated areas like Palung, is essential to creating long-lasting change in the region.

Through the campaign outcomes, LC Hetauda believes that the most effective way to address plastic pollution in Thaha Municipality is to declare it a plastic-free zone by enacting strict laws against plastic pollution, similar to the approach taken by Dhangadi Sub-Metropolitan City. They were certain that this declaration should be made without delay, as the situation is already urgent. Additionally, the local government must strictly enforce these regulations, with regular monitoring by the municipality in collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure compliance and progress. This campaign marks an important step in addressing plastic pollution and highlights the need for continued environmental awareness across rural Nepal. IFSA acknowledges the significant impact of this initiative and is proud to present the LC Project of the Month award for February 2024. Congratulations!