Kathmandu: Air pollution is the number one risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, according to a new report by the World Bank (WB).
According to National News Agency Nepal, the report emphasizes that single-sector solutions are not sufficient to meet any clean air target. Public policy and investment need to optimize air quality actions across sectors, prioritizing those with the most cost-effective solutions. The report, titled ‘Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions’, serves as a foundational assessment of air pollution in the country and the airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF).
The report identifies Kathmandu Valley and the Terai as Nepal’s air pollution hotspots, with no significant improvement over the past decade. Air pollution reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years for the average Nepali and causes approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually. Beyond health impacts, air pollution affects labor productivity, tourism, and the aviation sector. The economic cost of poor air quality is equivalent to more than 6 percent of Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, highlighted the economic implications of air pollution, stating, “Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today.” The government is committed to improving air quality through measures such as stricter industrial emission standards and promoting electric transport.
The report also underscores the necessity of multi-sectoral and multi-regional actions to tackle air pollution. Key areas include reducing vehicle emissions through electrification and improving vehicle inspection systems, supporting cleaner technology in industries, and adopting electric cookstoves in households to mitigate pollution.
Preventing forest fires through fuel load reduction and awareness programs, along with establishing effective response systems, are also crucial steps highlighted in the report. Additionally, effective partnerships with neighboring countries are essential due to transboundary airflows that carry pollutants across borders, affecting air quality in the shared airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills Region.