Severe air pollution hits Kathmandu: Health experts urge caution

KATHMANDU: In recent days, Kathmandu Valley has witnessed a significant surge in air pollution levels, with the capital city now ranking as one of the most polluted cities in the world.

The persistent pollution has caused the skies to remain overcast, with a hazardous haze enveloping the city.

Health problems such as eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory discomfort have increased, with many residents experiencing these issues on a daily basis.

This morning, the air quality in Kathmandu reached dangerously high levels, surpassing thresholds marked as hazardous.

Health professionals have issued warnings, particularly for vulnerable groups including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions, urging them to remain indoors whenever possible. They have also advised everyone to minimize outdoor activities unless absolutely necessary.

The Ministry of Health and Population has raised an alarm, calling for heightened vigilance across the valley in light of the growing pollution. According to a press release, Nepal has been placed on the list of countries with extreme air pollution, based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) – a global measurement standard for air quality.

The AQI measures air quality on a scale from 0 to 500, categorizing it as follows:

• 0–50: Good

• 51–100: Moderate

• 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

• 151–200: Unhealthy

• 201–300: Very Unhealthy

• 301 and above: Hazardous

Currently, Kathmandu’s AQI stands at 348, placing it in the “Hazardous” category, which is a cause for serious concern.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated that the current pollution levels could lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory diseases, eye irritation, allergies, skin problems, heart conditions, and long-term chronic health complications.

Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases, are especially at risk and must take extra precautions.

The Ministry has recommended that people refrain from outdoor activities, wear masks when traveling, and avoid venturing into areas with the highest pollution levels. Additionally, the Ministry has urged the public to stay indoors as much as possible, particularly during peak pollution times.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has called for concerted efforts from all sectors to combat air pollution, noting that the ongoing rise in pollution levels is largely due to increasing forest fires, road construction, industrial activities, and other human-induced factors.

The Authority has also highlighted the growing health risks, particularly for respiratory issues, eye irritation, headaches, and allergies. Public authorities, including industries and construction agencies, are being urged to adopt measures to reduce pollution.

To tackle the issue, health authorities and the NDRRMA are advocating for better waste management, reduced use of public transport, dust suppression at construction sites, and the regulation of forest fires.

The authorities are also requesting relevant agencies to monitor air quality and take immediate corrective actions.

The Ministry and NDRRMA have called on citizens to adopt personal safety measures, such as wearing masks and taking necessary precautions to protect their health from the harmful effects of the toxic air.