Former Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission and renowned human rights figure Dr. Gauri Shankar Lal Das stated that the impact of excessive exploitation in the Chure is creating negative impacts in Madhesh. He made this remark while addressing the “31st Prakash Human Rights Award” distribution ceremony on August 1. The Award is established in memory of INSEC’s founding General Secretary and tireless human rights defender Prakash Kafle. Dr. Das emphasized that the drought and arid conditions observed in the Madhesh are a result of environmental destruction.
Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Surya Prasad Dhungel, emphasized the importance of remembering Prakash Kafle’s contributions to Nepal’s human rights movement. He stated that human rights defenders must also play an active role in advocating for environmental rights. INSEC’s founding chairperson Sushil Pyakurel, remarked that the human rights campaigns led by INSEC are a continuation of the initiatives by the late Prakash Kafle .He emphasized the need to be aware in time about the impacts caused by the destruction of the Chure. Additionally, the environmental and climate change effects on Terai could lead to a food crisis in Nepal.
Bishnu Thakali, former official of the NGO Federation of Nepal and Chairperson of the Environmental Protection Committee, stated that waste is being turned into resources, with the government managing up to 20% and the private sector handling 80% of the waste. He noted that society functions primarily as a consumer, but due to the lack of a culture of conservation, the impacts of climate change are leading to water shortages in Nepal. He called for the protection of natural resources.
Chairperson of the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal, Thakur Bhandari, emphasized that since the government declared Chure as a protected area under the Environment Act in 2014, the area has faced increasing exploitation. He stressed the need to dissolve the Chure Conservation Committee and instead launch a united campaign for Chure conservation through the involvement of 1,62,00,000 households from local communities.
At the program, INSEC Chairperson Dr. Kundan Aryal stated that it is the current responsibility to bring the transitional justice process to a conclusion. He mentioned that recognizing environmental rights as a crucial issue in the present context, INSEC has prioritized the right to environment in the Nepal Human Rights Yearbook 2025.
Yadav was selected from among 40 nominees received through a public call for the award. The Prakash Human Rights Award Selection Committee, chaired by INSEC’s founding chairperson Sushil Pyakurel, included Honorable Members of the National Human Rights Commission Dr. Surya Prasad Dhungel and human rights activist Ganga Kasyap as members.
Ganga Kasyap, member of the selection committee, informed that Yadav, a resident of Mauwahi, Simraungadh Municipality-2, Bara district, has been continuously active in Chure conservation and environmental rights since 2017. He has been conducting various awareness programs, campaigns, and advocacy efforts to draw the attention of the government and stakeholders to the climate and environmental impacts emerging in Madhesh Province due to the exploitation of the Chure.
Yadav, was presented with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a certificate of appreciation, and an INSEC token of love by the program’s chief guest.