Kathmandu: The Nepal Water Conservation Foundation (NWCF) held the 92nd Pani Satsang and the National Savior of Natural Resources 2026 Honouring Ceremony at the Russian House in Kathmandu on August 17.
The first part of the programme featured a panel discussion on the protection and sustainable use of Nepal’s natural resources in the context of the country’s economic development. The discussion brought together representatives of Nepal’s National Planning Commission, the Institute of Forestry of Tribhuvan University and other experts.
The central moment of the evening was the posthumous presentation of the award to the family of the late Om Prakash Mahato, ‘Dilip,’, a young environmental activist from Dhanusha who had openly opposed the illegal extraction of sand and gravel from local rivers.
Dilip was killed on January 10, 2020 while attempting to stop a tipper truck linked to illegal extraction from a riverbed. Former Minister for Water Resources Dipak Gyawali spoke about Dilip’s contribution and courage.
The Chief Guest, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal Prakash Man Singh Raut, as the Chief Guest, presented the award to Dilip’s father, Ram Jiwan Mahato Koiri. Mr. Koiri thanked the organisers and paid tribute to the memory of his son.
Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Russian House. She noted that the protection of water resources and the environment is a responsibility that goes beyond national borders. She emphasized that water security and climate change are not only concerns for Nepal, but global challenges that also affect Russia and other countries and require international cooperation and collective action. “The experience of Nepal, Russia and countries around the world reminds us that sustainable development is impossible without protecting nature and taking into account the interests of future generations,” she said.
In his address, Mr. Raut, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, stressed the importance of responsible governance and the rule of law in protecting natural resources.
