Kathmandu, Apr. 19: Nepal joined the world to celebrate Earth Day 2000 with the commitment to check climate change, with the slogan clean energy for the solution of the problem created by climate change.

In a discussion programme held here today participants highlighted the importance and relevance of Earth Day. Environmentalist and officials of MoPE attended the programme organised by the Ministry of Population and environment (MoPE).

Dr Govinda Bhatta Secretary of MOPE stressed the need of social commitment to clean the environment. Every citizen should feel responsible in a way of cleaning the environment he said. He further added that more use of hydroelectrict power is the only answer to check the air pollution. Only with full cooperation between the government and private sector will be the success of green revolution.

Dr Dirgha Singh Bom, Director SAARC tuberculosis centre, urged the need to cure the disease spread by pollution. He also said environment pollution has changed life span of not only the human beings but also the other living creatures.

Bikash Pandey, energy expert, said the environmental out look for the future is not so bright. In other countries economic development goes in co-relation to environmental degradation but in Nepal while economic growth has not yet flourished, environmental deterioration has already increased to the alarming levels.

Environmentalist Heb Bahadur Khadka stated the need of stopping pollution contributing vehicles in phase wise. He further said that we should encourage the citizens to use vehicles less, which will be a contribution to clean the environment.

The Earth Day 2000 will continue for April 22nd. Various programmes including public rally and seminars are organised in this occasion.