Rising air pollution: Causes & how to stay safe

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley has recently been listed as the most polluted city in the world due to air pollution.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) statistics, by Thursday afternoon, the pollution level had reached as high as 348 AQI, ranking Kathmandu as the top polluted city.

As the pollution level rises, various government agencies, environmental experts, and doctors have expressed concerns, urging people to exercise caution, avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary, and stay alert.

Deputy Prime Minister Prakashman Singh, who has also taken on the responsibilities of Prime Minister, held a meeting with stakeholders on Thursday to discuss ways to reduce pollution and mitigate its effects.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Population issued a statement urging the public to be highly vigilant as air pollution in the valley increases. According to the government-approved air quality index, the following levels indicate different levels of health concerns:

0-50: Good

51-100: Moderate

101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

151-200: Unhealthy

201-300: Very unhealthy

Above 301: Hazardous

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that due to air pollution, conditions such as asthma, respiratory diseases, eye problems, allergies in the nose and throat, skin issues, heart diseases, and long-term health problems could affect sensitive groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases. He urged these groups to take extra precautions.

Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, an expert in disaster management and climatology, explained that the weakening of western winds and the lack of rainfall have contributed to the rising pollution levels. He stated, “As temperatures rise, forest fires, agricultural burning, and road dust combine in the air, increasing pollution. If it had rained, the pollution would have settled to the ground.”

Meteorologist Pratibha Manandhar, from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, predicted that light winds may develop starting Thursday, but they would not be strong enough to disperse the pollution. She also mentioned that while there is a possibility of rain next week, long-term forecasts can change.

Due to the absence of rain, visibility has decreased, and internal flights at Tribhuvan International Airport have been affected, according to Manandhar.

Dr. Gyanraj Suvedi, Director-General of the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, pointed out that the decrease in winter rains over the past four years, coupled with weak pre-monsoon rainfall, forest fires, and other fires, has contributed to the rising pollution levels.

The Kathmandu Valley, being bowl-shaped, traps pollution, and due to a lack of wind, the pollutants remain stagnant in the valley, Suvedi added.

Air Pollution Expected to Stay High Until Jestha

The department has noted that air pollution tends to peak from Mangsir to Jestha and has urged people to remain vigilant during this period. The primary causes of pollution include smoke from industries, factories, and vehicles, construction work, burning of waste and decomposing materials, smoke from households, and dust from roads and construction sites.

Environmental experts have emphasized that air pollution negatively impacts human health, especially for children, the elderly, those with asthma, and pregnant women, and have called for caution during this time.

Forest Fires Contributing to Pollution

Fire expert Sundar Sharma mentioned that the lack of rainfall this winter, combined with insufficient pre-monsoon showers, has led to an increase in forest fires, which in turn has worsened environmental pollution.

“On Wednesday alone, fires were reported in 253 locations. Forest fires have been particularly intense in 45 districts, including Parsa, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Bara, and Udaypur,” he said. He added that the lack of adequate resources for fire control and the shortage of manpower to handle fires are still significant challenges. “As long as we can’t control these fires, the pollution will continue to rise.”

Heart Patients More Vulnerable

Cardiologist Dr. Ranjit Sharma noted that the growing air pollution is especially affecting heart patients. “Heart patients face increased respiratory problems, higher risks of heart attacks, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and asthma. Therefore, they need to be extra cautious,” he said. “Pollution affects everyone, but heart patients should be particularly careful when stepping outside, especially in the morning when pollution levels are higher. They should wear masks and only go outside when absolutely necessary.”

Eye Problems

Dr. Muna Kunwar, an ophthalmologist at Tilganga Eye Institute, mentioned that the bacteria or viruses in polluted air could cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Pollutants can also affect the tear glands, causing irritation, redness, and dryness. “We are seeing an increase in eye irritation, dryness, and blurred vision due to pollution. Polluted air can also trigger allergic reactions leading to excessive tearing,” she said. She advised people to wear glasses or sunglasses in polluted areas, clean their eyes with water, spend less time outdoors, and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist.

Skin Issues

Dermatologist Dr. Prajjwal Pudasaini stated that pollution can also lead to various skin problems, especially during times of high air pollution. “Chemical pollutants and dust particles can cause skin allergies, leading to redness, burning sensations, or acne. Pollution can also weaken the skin’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infections, dryness, and irritation. Long-term exposure can even lead to skin cancer,” he said. He advised people to wash their faces regularly, wear sunscreen, avoid outdoor exposure, and seek medical advice if skin problems persist.

Pregnant Women Affected

Dr. Jitendra Pariyar, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Civil Service Hospital in New Baneshwor, stated that air pollution has a more significant impact on pregnant women. “Just as smoking affects the development of the fetus, air pollution can also harm the unborn child,” he said. He suggested that pregnant women avoid going outside during high pollution periods and wear masks if they must go out.

Call for Emergency Declaration with Public Awareness

Environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar argued that the government should be prepared to declare an emergency as pollution continues to worsen. “When the AQI exceeds 300, it is necessary to declare a disaster. We are not yet at that level, but the pollution is continuing to rise. We must be prepared with widespread public awareness, and if the situation worsens, an emergency declaration might be necessary,” he said.

Where Is the Right to Clean Environment?

Senior advocate Prakashmani Sharma, who is also an environmental law expert, commented that the fundamental right to live in a clean environment, guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal, is not being enforced, thus violating human rights. “The Constitution guarantees the right to live in a clean environment, but citizens are not able to fully enjoy this right,” he said.

According to Article 30 of the Constitution of Nepal, every citizen has the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. The state is also required to ensure that those affected by environmental pollution are compensated according to the law.

Policy Measures in Place

The Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Plan, 2076, specifies that if the AQI exceeds 300, it should be treated as a disaster. To prevent this, the plan outlines measures such as halting the burning of waste, cleaning roads with vacuum or broom devices, and issuing public notices urging children, elderly people, and patients to take extra care.

The National Environment Policy, 2076, aims to reduce pollution by implementing national standards for air, water, soil, noise, electromagnetic radiation, and hazardous chemical pollutants. The policy also emphasizes the creation of pollution quality monitoring centers in major cities and industrial zones, as well as the development of environment-friendly technologies.

Long-term Strategies Needed

Bhushan Tuladhar also emphasized the need for a long-term strategy for pollution reduction in Nepal, particularly during the winter and pre-monsoon periods. “The government needs to take immediate action to control forest fires, prevent open burning, increase public awareness, and strictly regulate polluting vehicles. Over the long term, we need to promote electric vehicles, improved stoves, and create an air quality management plan for the entire country,” he stated.

The National Census of 2078 shows that 51% of households still use firewood, and 3% use agricultural waste for fuel. Tuladhar pointed out that indoor pollution especially affects women and children, adding that recent studies suggest that 48,500 people die annually due to air pollution.

Instructions to Prevent Pollution

Dr. Gyanraj Suvedi, Director-General of the Department of Environment, mentioned that although the department has issued instructions to prevent environmental pollution, strict actions against polluters have yet to be fully enforced. “We have advised people to stop polluting, but we are still unable to take strict enforcement actions. However, we will continue to raise public awareness and take action against those who violate these instructions,” he said.

The department has suggested that people stop burning household waste and agricultural residues, regularly maintain vehicles, use clean energy in industries and homes, and control dust and smoke from construction sites.

Prevention Measures:

1. Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary, especially during peak pollution hours.

2. Protect Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases should take extra precautions.

3. Mask Up: Wear protective masks to reduce inhalation of harmful pollutants.

4. Reduce Indoor Pollution: Avoid burning waste or agricultural residues at home, and opt for cleaner energy sources.

5. Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly service vehicles to reduce emissions.

6. Control Construction Dust: Ensure proper dust control methods at construction sites.

7. Public Awareness: Increase awareness on pollution’s impact and encourage safe practices during high pollution periods.

8. Forest Fire Control: Address the rise in forest fires by strengthening firefighting resources and prevention measures.

9. Regulate Polluting Industries: Implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions.

10. Promote Green Alternatives: Encourage the use of electric vehicles and environmentally-friendly technologies to reduce long-term pollution.