KATHMANDU, July 29: The Consulate General of India in Birgunj successfully organized a special week as part of Mission LiFE, a global mass movement aimed at encouraging individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment.

Mission LiFE, which stands for Lifestyle for Environment, was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.

The special week featured a series of engaging sessions focusing on various aspects of environmental sustainability. On June 20, 2023, a panel discussion on "Healthy LifeStyle" took place inside the Consulate premises. The discussion was led by Dr. Niraj Kumar Singh (M. D. Int-Med) and Dr. Suchit Kumar Sharma (Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Madhesh Pradesh), who shared valuable insights on adopting healthier lifestyles.

Another important session, held on July 21, 2023, centered around "E-Waste Reduced." Bijay Kushwaha (Director, NIIT, Birgunj) enlightened the participants about the hazards of improper e-waste disposal and encouraged extending the lifespan of electronic goods to reduce electronic waste.

The topic of "Reducing Single-Use Plastic" was addressed on July 24, 2023, by Ranjit Kumar Singh (Cleanliness Activist, Raxaul) and Jai Prakash Khetan (Cleanliness Activist, Birgunj). They emphasized the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on the environment and urged the audience to minimize their usage.

On July 25, 2023, Mahesh Agrawal (President, India-Nepal Seema Jagran Manch, Businessman, and Social Activist, Raxaul) presented valuable insights on building a "Sustainable Food System," promoting healthy eating habits and the benefits of using millets. He also highlighted the significance of considering local conditions while planning meals and raised concerns about the use of pressure cookers.

An orientation program on "Waste Reduced" was held on July 26, 2023. Sarfuddin Miya (Incharge, Sanitation Wing, Birgunj Metropolitan City) and Mahesh Agrawal (President, India-Nepal Seema Jagran Manch, Businessman, and Social Activist, Raxaul) stressed the importance of minimal littering to reduce waste and maintain a clean and green environment. They also emphasized the need for increased tree plantation.

Gobind Gupta, Chartered Accountant, and Priyanshu Gupta, member of Nepal Engineers Association, shared valuable insights on "Energy Saved" on July 27, 2023. They highlighted the significance of conserving energy and discussed the benefits of renewable energy sources over non-renewable ones.

The special week concluded with a discussion on "Water Saved" inside the Consulate premises. Niran Maharjan, Chief of Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Birgunj, and Smt. Priyanka Rauniyar, Chartered Accountant, demonstrated the implications of water wastage and stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting to address water scarcity.

In total, seven sessions were conducted under Mission LiFE, witnessing the active participation of approximately 100 members of civil society from Birgunj, as well as Consulate officials and staff.

Consul General Nitesh Kumar expressed his gratitude to all participants and reiterated India's commitment to building a sustainable future through Mission LiFE. The Consulate General of India looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote environmental awareness and inspire positive action in the region.

 
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