With air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley recently reaching hazardous levels, environmental experts have urged the government to take immediate action to reduce pollution.
They emphasized the need for effective coordination among government agencies, local communities, and security forces to control forest fires that are contributing to the worsening air quality across the country.
In a joint statement, Chairperson of the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) Chandra Shekhar Karki, Executive Director of the Prakriti Resource Centre Raju Pandit Chhetri, General Secretary of Clean Energy Nepal Rajan Parajuli, Director of Omni Ventures Silsila Acharya, and environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar called on the government to take urgent measures. These include banning vehicles that emit smoke or carry dust into the Valley.
They also recommended temporary school closures, a ban on burning crop residue, and mandatory use of face masks until the air quality improves.
Data from air quality monitoring stations indicate that the air in the Valley is dangerously polluted. High levels of PM2.5 particles—comprising fine dust, black carbon, carbon monoxide, and ozone—pose serious health risks.
According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu experienced unhealthy air quality on 75 out of the past 90 days. The bowl-shaped geography of the Valley has made it one of the most polluted urban areas in recent years. -- RSS
