The Madhesh Province government has announced a major environmental initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution by launching a province-wide “Plastic-Free Madhesh” campaign in coordination with local governments.

The announcement was made by Finance Minister Yuvraj Bhattarai while presenting the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Focus on Reducing Environmental Pollution

According to the budget statement, the government plans to address growing environmental degradation caused by plastic waste, urban expansion, industrial emissions, and rising temperatures.

The campaign will encourage local governments to actively participate in eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives.

Promotion of Local Alternatives to Plastic

As part of the initiative, the province government will provide special capital grants to local industries involved in producing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products.

These include industries manufacturing bags and packaging materials made from:

Allo (nettle fiber)
Jute
Tobacco plant stems
Paper-based materials

The government aims to support machinery procurement and encourage small and medium industries to shift toward sustainable production.

Smart Eco Parks and Urban Greening Plan

The budget also outlines plans to establish at least one “Smart Eco Park” in every municipality across Madhesh Province.

In addition, roadside plantation drives will be carried out along major highways and urban roads to increase tree cover and provide natural shade, helping reduce urban heat effects.

Waste-to-Wealth Program to Manage Urban Waste

A key highlight of the budget is the introduction of a “Waste-to-Wealth” program, which focuses on converting municipal waste into useful resources.

Under this initiative:

Organic waste will be processed into compost fertilizer
Biogas production will be promoted
Electronic waste will be managed through safer disposal systems

The government believes this approach will not only reduce pollution but also create new income-generating opportunities for local bodies.

Reduced Allocation for Environment Sector

Despite the introduction of new programs, budget allocation for the Forest and Environment sector has decreased compared to the previous fiscal year.

Last year’s allocation: Rs. 2.37 billion
This year’s allocation: Rs. 1.33 billion

The reduction has raised concerns about whether planned environmental initiatives will receive adequate financial support for effective implementation.

Balancing Development and Environment

While the government has introduced progressive environmental programs, experts note that successful execution will depend on coordination between provincial authorities, municipalities, and private sector participation.

The “Plastic-Free Madhesh” campaign is expected to become one of the province’s key environmental policy priorities in the coming years.

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