Kathmandu: In the wake of air pollution reaching hazardous levels in the Kathmandu Valley, organizations focused on environmental protection have urged the government to implement immediate measures to mitigate pollution.
According to National News Agency Nepal, environmental groups stressed the importance of collaboration among government bodies, local communities, and security agencies to address the forest fires raging in various parts of the country. Key figures, including Chandra Shekhar Karki, Chairperson of the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), Raju Pandit Chhetri, Executive Director of the Prakriti Resource Centre, and others issued a statement urging the government to curb emissions from vehicles and ban dust-carrying vehicles from entering the valley.
The statement also recommended that schools be closed, the burning of crop residue be prohibited, and the use of masks be mandatory until air quality improves. Data collected by pollution monitoring facilities indicate that the air quality in the valley is detrimental to health, with excessive levels of tiny dust particles, black carbon, carbon monoxide, and ozone (PM 2.5).
According to International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu’s air quality has been unhealthy for 75 out of the last 90 days. The valley, characterized by its bowl-shaped topography, has struggled with air pollution for several years.