On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) convened its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Thapagaun Banquet in Thapagaun, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
The assembly was chaired by Mr. Rajiv Joshi, Chairperson, ENPHO and graced by the presence of Mr. Manoj Bhatta, Member Secretary, Social Welfare Council (SWC), as the chief guest. The distinguished guests for the event were Senior Environmental Journalist Mr. Bhairab Risal, Mr. Sanjeev Bikram Rana, Executive Director of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB), Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju, Chairperson at United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) and Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality. Other esteemed guests included Mr. Ram Kumar K.C., Chairperson of Ward-10, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ms. Sapana Sharma, Founder Chairperson of ENPHO, Mr. Rajendra Aryal, National Chairperson, Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal (FEDWASUN), Ms. Urmila Joshi, Former Chairperson of ENPHO.
During the meeting, Ms. Urmila Joshi extended a warm welcome to all the participants. She emphasized the collaborative efforts of ENPHO with national organizations such as the Social Welfare Council, KVWSMV, FEDWASUN, and UCLG ASPAC, which have inspired ENPHO to make progress in the sector. The chief guest, Mr. Manoj Bhatta, officially inaugurated the assembly by nurturing a flowerpot with compost and water.
Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director of ENPHO, presented the annual progress report for the fiscal year 2022/23 on behalf of the secretary of ENPHO. During her presentation, Ms. Sharma highlighted the various projects, their objectives and significant milestones achieved under the projects. Similarly, Mr. Pratap Kumar Acharya, Treasurer of ENPHO, presented the financial audit report for the fiscal year 2022/23.
Further, the winners of the four ENPHO awards were revealed. The chief guest presented the “Raju Memorial Youth Award” to Ms. Prativa Dawadi for her unrelenting dedication to advancing environmental protection, notably in the fields of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), climate change, waste management, and community empowerment. The “Bhairab Risal Media Fellowship” was awarded to Mr. Santosh Mahatara in appreciation of his remarkable work on “Batawaran Santulan,” a research-based and original article/newspaper covering a range of environmental agenda and concerns affecting public health and environment. Likewise, Mr. Sanjeev Bikram Rana awarded the “Bigyan Memorial Research Award” to Ms. Urmila Gharti Magar, who is pursuing a master’s degree at Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Environmental Science and conducting research on “Water Poverty Index in Myagdi River, Gandaki Province, Nepal” and Mr. Rajiv Joshi awarded the “The Hutaram Environment Award” Mr. Sushan Chaudhary in recognition of his outstanding leadership and remarkable contribution to the preservation of the environment.
Following the award session “ENPHO Tara- the best employee of the year-2023 was announced.” Ms. Bhintuna Shrestha, project coordinator at ENPHO, was awarded with the title while Ms. Suma Maharjan, project officer, and Mr. Jagam Shrestha, senior research officer, were recognized as first and second runner-up for the title, respectively.
Addressing the inaugural session Mr. Ram Kumar K.C. expressed gratitude to ENPHO for their community efforts in environmental and health endeavors. Mr. Rajendra Aryal praised ENPHO’s role in the WASH sector and congratulated award recipients. Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha recalled ENPHO’s establishment, effort made by organization in short and emphasized on innovation. On the occasion Mr. Shrestha announced a science innovation award in memory of Late Prakash Amatya, environmentalist, and public toilet campaigner. Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha appreciated ENPHO’s service and support, pledging continued assistance. Mr. Bhairab Risal stressed the need for organizational strength and action on Bagmati river pollution. Mr. Manoj Bhatta highlighted human rights, health statistics, and collaboration, commending ENPHO’s work. Concluding the first session of the AGM, Chairperson Mr. Rajiv Joshi highlighted ENPHO’s vision for eco-societies, and its collaborative efforts with various stakeholders in promoting WASH, and a clean environment. He expressed gratitude to the entire team and assured ENPHO’s commitment to achieving SDG goals with continued support from donors, government bodies, NGOs, and local entities.
