Kathmandu, Feb. 23 : Minister of State for Population and Environment Bhakta Bahadur Balayar was honoured with a commendation letter here today for his significant contributions in reducing environmental pollution in Kathmandu Valley.

The commendation letter presented jointly by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (iucn) and the world wildlife fund was handed over to him by iucn Director General Dr. Marito Koch Weser.

On the occasion, Mr Balayar said the present government is committed to make qualitative improvement in environmental pollution and disclosed that plying of Vikram tempos, the main cause of air pollution, had been prohibited in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Lumbini.

Referring to the important role played by iucn in mitigating environmental pollution, he said that vehicles with euro standard will be introduced for the protection of environment in Nepal.

Director general of the iucn Dr. Weser said that there had been a significant reduction in air pollution in Nepal since his last visit here and this would have good effect on the health of the people.

Iucn resident representative Chandra Gurung also expressed his views on the occasion.