For any organization, 30 years of the journey is a milestone achieved crossing through the path of initiatives, actions, challenges, and achievements. Established with the vision to create eco-societies, ENPHO has come along 30 years on November 1, 2021. While moving forward, ENPHO has developed innovative technologies and systems which are demonstrated and disseminated for healthy and environment-friendly societies. With this accomplishment, a 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was organized on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at ENPHO Hall, Thapagoan, New Baneshwor. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was organized physically as well as virtually using the Zoom platform.

The assembly commenced under the chairmanship of Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Chairperson, ENPHO, and in the gracious virtual presence of Senior Environmental Journalist Mr. Bhairab Risal as the Chief Guest. Ms. Rohini Shrestha, Ward Member of Ward-10 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and Mr. Narayan Giri, Board Member of Social Welfare Council were also present as guests in the event.
Mr. Rajiv Joshi, Vice-President of ENPHO cordially welcomed all participants in ENPHO’s 30th AGM. While welcoming the participants, he highlighted ENPHO’s response in COVID-19, major achievements made in FY 2020/21, and actions that were taken on advocacy for creating clean, green and dynamic eco-societies. The welcome remarks were followed by formal inauguration of the program. Recalling the ENPHO’s vision, mission, actions, challenges and strength, a short video clip was also presented during the event. Voices from the founding members, admired members and staff members were included in the video clip.
One of the major agendas of the AGM were to share and approve the annual progress report and financial report of the FY 2020/21. Following the agenda, Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director of ENPHO, presented the annual progress report of the FY 2020/21. In her presentation, Ms. Sharma emphasized the project activities, major achievements, and progresses made during the year. In the FY 2020/21, there were 5 research studies and advocacy projects, 4 community based projects, 6 capacity building and awareness projects and 5 response projects. Furthermore, Mr. Prakash Chandra Amatya, Treasurer of ENPHO, presented the financial audit report of the FY 2020/21.
ENPHO has also been appreciating the youth and organizations, working in and for the sector of environment and public health, through 4 various awards (Hutaram Environment Award, Bhairab Risal Media Fellowship, Bigyan Memorial Research Award and Raju Memorial Youth Award).
Beginning with the awards, the “Bigyan Memorial Research Award” was granted to Ms. Ganga Shrestha who is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science (4th Semester) at Central Department of Environment Science, Tribhuvan University. The award was presented for her research entitled ‘Assessment of Ground Water Recharge Potential in Northern Part of Kathmandu Valley’. Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar presented her the award. Similarly, the award named “Raju Memorial Youth Award” was awarded to Ms. Shilshila Acharya by guest, Mr. Narayan Shrestha, for her efforts on reducing plastic pollution as well as an outstanding contribution towards the environment and climate change. Likewise, guest Ms. Rohini Shrestha presented the “Hutaram Environment Award” to Mr. Narayan Khaitu for his exemplary leadership and remarkable contribution towards the welfare of society by constructing community level rainwater harvesting system to supply drinking water. Moreover, “Bhairab Risal Media Fellowship” award was bestowed to Ms. Manika Bishwokarma to continue her research and publish a report on ‘Solid Waste Management at Bharatpur, Nepal’.

In addition, ENPHO has been recognizing the contribution of staff every year as best employee with the award “ENPHO Tara”. This year “ENPHO Tara- best employee of the year-2021” was awarded to Ms. Srijana Shakya, Senior WASH Officer at ENPHO who has been contributing ENPHO with her knowledge and skills in the sector since 2008. Similarly, first runner up and second runner up awards were presented to Ms. Sabina Magar, Assistant Admin Officer, and Mr. Subash K.C., Training Officer respectively.

The honourable guests Ms. Rohini Shrestha appreciated the work of ENPHO for protecting the environment and contributing to public health. She further requested ENPHO to engage youth in different possible activities initiated by ENPHO. Ms. Shrestha concluded her words mentioning that the Ward office and ENPHO can work together in the field of the environmental sector wherever possible.
Similarly, Mr. Narayan Giri congratulated ENPHO for its 30th Anniversary and admired the work ENPHO has done. He further praised ENPHO for standing out as a socially serving organization with good governance. He further added that the records of the Social Welfare Council has found ENPHO as a well-managed organization and assured to support ENPHO at province and palika level for implementing its activities.
Mr. Bhairav Risal congratulated ENPHO for its 30th Anniversary and also to the winners of the awards for their achievement. He insisted ENPHO to focus on advocacy for the reduction of non-renewable energy resources so as to improve the environmental condition. Moreover, he encouraged the engagement of youth, scientists and technology for the same.
The first session of the assembly ended with concluding remarks from the Chairperson Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar. In closing remarks, Mr. Tuladhar firstly congratulated all the awardees and accentuated their contribution for being awarded. Similarly, he also drew attention to how ENPHO as an organization was formed and has completed a long journey of 30 years with support from all. He further added that ENPHO has always emphasized scientific studies contributing to the betterment of the society.
Second session of the AGM was continued in the presence of board members and general members only. During the session, the annual progress report and financial report of FY 2020/21 were approved after a short discussion. The second session ended with a vote of thanks from the chairperson to all the members, for being the part in all highs and lows during the journey of 30 years. He further proposed for the need of developing new strategic plan for moving ahead in the upcoming years.