To mark World Environment Day 2025, the Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (SOPHEN) and Water Forum Nepal (WAFON) jointly organized a talk program titled “Reducing and Eliminating Plastic Pollution in Water Environment.” Held on Sunday, June 8 2025 at Entrance Café, Chakupat, Lalitpur, the event brought together around 30 participants from government agencies, non-profits, and NGOs. With plastic pollution rapidly rising as a threat to our rivers, drinking water, and urban infrastructure, the gathering provided a timely platform to reflect, learn, and collaborate.
The session featured powerful presentations from experts and researchers. Dr. Bijay Thapa of TDF questioned whether our current efforts are enough to protect natural water bodies from plastic waste. Er. Yubraj Dahal from NAST shared alarming findings of microplastics in bottled and jar water in Nepal, raising concerns about public health. A short video clip further illustrated the harmful impacts of plastic on aquatic ecosystems and human life. Er. Prajan Hada also shared practical challenges faced by urban water and wastewater systems due to plastic waste mismanagement.
The interactive Q&A session saw active engagement from the audience, where participants exchanged ideas, shared local experiences, and raised questions about sustainable waste management practices. This exchange highlighted the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration and community-led solutions to tackle plastic pollution more effectively.
The program concluded with tokens of appreciation for the speakers and a call to action for all attendees. A relaxed networking session over tea allowed for deeper conversations and future collaborations. SOPHEN and WAFON thank all participants and volunteers who made this event a success. As we move forward, this event reminds us that real change begins with awareness, dialogue, and collective action to protect our water resource.
Breaking the Flow of Plastic: Reflections from a Powerful Talk on Water Pollution
