Students of Pokhara Multiple Campus, the oldest community college, in Pokhara participated in a tree plantation program at Rupa Lake on Thursday, highlighting the vital role of youth in environmental conservation.
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, they planted 300 saplings of Lalupate, Kalki , Kapoor and Parijat flowers along the lakeshore.
Rupa Lake is considered one of the best lakes in Gandaki Province in terms of biodiversity. Along with Fewa and seven other lakes in Pokhara, Rupa Lake was listed in the Ramsar Site in 2016. It is known as a major habitat for 22 species of migratory birds arriving from Siberia.
The program was organized by Save Our Himalayas First, an organization which works in the field of environmental conservation, with support from the Rupa Rural Municipality office. It was coordinated by the Nature Club, an initiative formed by the students of Pokhara Multiple Campus to aid environmental conservation in the city.
“Youths are the cornerstone of progress. Their interest and activeness accelerate development efforts,” said club president Ganesh Ramdam.
The students planted trees along approximately one kilometer of the lakeshore, from Kathepul to Bhangara School in Ward No. 6 of Rupa.
Addressing the plantation campaign, Chairperson of Rupa Rural Municipality Nabaraj Ojha said that environmental conservation has become a global concern. He expressed pride in the commitment to preserve Rupa Lake, an ecologically important site in the province. He also pledged to protect the saplings planted by the students and called for support and cooperation from the local community.
Local stakeholders and residents expressed happiness at the students’ concern and commitment toward Pokhara’s environment. “At a time when global temperatures are rising, it is truly admirable that youth are stepping forward to protect the environment,” said D.B. Nepali, President of Save Our Himalayas First Nepal.
Ward member of Rupa Rural Municipality Ward No. 6, Sarita Sunar, Chairperson of the Rupa Restoration and Fisheries Cooperative, Shivraj Adhikari; and Professor Pushparaj Adhikari of Pokhara Multiple Campus were among those who encouraged the local youth and students at the event.
