In the fifth edition of Kala Sahitya Utsav, environmental discussion was of special importance. On the first day, environmental challenges from mountains to rivers were discussed in four different sessions.

The festival started with an exhibition of paintings on the theme of 'How the Setamye Himal is becoming a calamity due to melting snow'. The picture prepared by Dehi Art artist Chiten Sherpa was a vivid depiction of the Himalayan ecological crisis.

Environmental crisis and Nepal

Dehi Art and Parivartan Theater in collaboration with environmentalist Dr. Uttambabu Shrestha gave a scholarly lecture on the topic 'Environmental Crisis and Nepal'. He discussed the importance of the biodiversity of Jhapa district, especially the wetland forests. He also shed light on the historical background of the increase in energy use after the industrial revolution and its impact on the environment.

Shrestha reviewed challenges such as climate change, loss of biological diversity, expansion of exotic species, forest fires, air pollution, plastic pollution, and overuse of natural resources and concluded that environmental protection is essential for human existence. 

From Kanchenjunga to Bay of Bengal

In the first session of the first day, writer and journalist Ramesh Bhusal and environmental activist from Sikkim Myalmeet Lepcha interacted on the topic 'From Kanchenjunga to Bay of Bengal'.

They discussed in detail the historical, social, and ecological significance of the Kanchenjunga river system (Mechi, Koshi, Teesta and their tributaries). He concluded that these rivers flowing from the Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal are the lifeline for Nepal, India, and Bangladesh and that their protection is indispensable.

Man's dominance in literature

In the second session, Dr. Dr. "Man's dominance in literature" There was a dialogue between Archana Thapa, Basant Basnet, Chuden Kavimo and Raja Puniani. The speakers discussed the dominance of the dominant class in literature, the need for diverse voices and environmental awareness in Nepali literature.

They brainstormed ideas for about an hour about how environmental challenges can be included in literary creation, pointing out the need to look at literature from a new angle due to climate change.

conservation: community or government?

In the third session, a debate was held between intellectual leader Ram Karki, conservationist Nanda Devi Kuwar and Birendra Mahato on the title 'Who will do conservation: community or government?'

They discussed the role of communities in the conservation of forests, rivers, and natural resources and reviewed from British colonialism to current market-oriented conservation policies. The speakers said that the involvement of the community is necessary for the long-term protection of natural resources. Criticizing concepts like

'tragedy of the commons', they held the view that the community should be responsible for resource management. Facilitator Sushant Gurung presented the argument that the local community would be able to protect itself even without the intervention of the state and the market.

Nature of Creation: Art and Environment

In the last session, 'Nature of Creation', cinematographer Min Bham, painter Ghimire Yuvraj, painter Ilian Foning from Kalimpong and music composer Dewashish Mote from Darjeeling participated. They mentioned how the sensibilities of the society used to be reflected in traditional folk music, painting, and sculpture and said that the current market-oriented trend should be challenged.