Gharpajhong Climate Conference 2083 Begins in Mustang Today

Dragon Media Correspondent

The two-day “Gharpajhong Climate Conference 2083” is set to begin in Mustang today. Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary is scheduled to inaugurate the conference, which will focus on the impacts of climate change in the Himalayan region, the role of local governments, adaptation measures and environmental protection.

Representatives from 421 local governments and 36 District Coordination Committees had arrived in Mustang by Monday evening to participate in the conference. According to Gharpajhong Rural Municipality Chief Administrative Officer Bhim Kumar Basnet, more than 2,000 guests, including representatives from metropolitan cities, sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities and rural municipalities from all seven provinces, had reached Mustang. Accommodation has been arranged for the participants in local hotels.

The rural municipality has mobilised village societies, mothers’ groups, youth clubs and other local organisations from all five wards to support the management of the conference. Deputy Chairperson Jamuna Thakali said mothers’ groups will manage breakfast, lunch and snacks for participants at the conference venue, while dinner and accommodation will be provided at hotels designated by the rural municipality.

Roads and settlements across all five wards have been decorated with traditional local art, cultural displays and flags to mark the occasion. Streetlights have been installed along the main highway and internal roads, while health workers and volunteers have been deployed to provide medical checks and emergency support for visiting participants.

Preparations have also been made to ensure uninterrupted drinking water, internet and electricity services. Vehicle parking and traffic management arrangements have been strengthened to handle the large number of visitors.

The conference is being held at the Jomsom Covered Hall, where the stage, sound system and other necessary decorations have been completed, according to Information Officer Bikash Sajyal. A 28-foot-high spherical installation depicting a “crying Earth” has been placed inside the venue to raise public awareness about the growing impacts of climate change.

More than 50 stalls have also been set up to promote Mustang’s local agricultural products and traditional goods. Agriculture Branch Officer Roshan Thakali said the exhibition is intended to expand market opportunities for local products and showcase Mustang’s agricultural potential to representatives from across the country.

The conference is expected to serve as an important platform for local governments to exchange experiences, identify common climate adaptation priorities and discuss measures to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems. The two-day event will conclude with the issuance of a declaration outlining commitments and recommendations on climate change mitigation, local adaptation and environmental protection.