Nepal’s worsening air pollution crisis, driven by policy failures and weak implementation, has become a major public health emergency demanding urgent, coordinated action across all levels of government.
With the onset of winter, air pollution has reached unhealthy levels not only in the Kathmandu Valley but also across areas stretching from Ilam to Deukhuri in Dang, according to official data.The Department of Environment’s air quality monitoring system shows that in most of these locations, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 150. At this level, air pollution affects people of all age groups, posing serious risks to children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses.Every winter, pollution dominates headlines. Once the season passes, the debate fades. The recurring spikes in air pollution are not accidental; they are the result of weak policies, poor implementation and a lack of long-term vision.Air pollution has now emerged as one of Nepal’s gravest public health threats. Experts identify it as a leading cause of death and disability. The World Bank estimates that poor air quality costs Nepal more than six percent of its gross domestic product annually. International reports further suggest that toxic air has reduced the average life expectancy of Nepalis by 3.4 years and caused over 48,500 deaths in 2021 alone.These figures are not merely statistics—they are emergency warning signals. Failing to prevent avoidable deaths reflects a profound failure of the state.Despite the scale of the crisis, government plans have largely remained ineffective.
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Although some initiatives under the Kathmandu Valley Air Pollution Management Plan were launched in 2076 BS, the plan is now virtually dormant. Similarly, despite repeated announcements, a national-level action plan has yet to be finalised. Governments and ministers have changed, meetings have multiplied, but tangible results remain elusive. Plans confined to paper cannot deliver clean air; sustained political commitment and effective implementation are essential.Air pollution is a complex, multi-dimensional problem. Brick kilns, industries, vehicles, waste burning, construction dust, forest fires and transboundary pollution all contribute to the crisis. Addressing it therefore requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral response—ranging from transport reform and cleaner fuels to the promotion of electric vehicles, modernisation of brick kilns, strict control of agricultural residue burning, improved forest management and rigorous enforcement of industrial emission standards. Clear coordination among federal, provincial and local governments is crucial. Local governments can play a decisive role in regulating construction, managing roads, controlling waste and preventing forest fires. Provinces can strengthen oversight of industries and transport, while the federal government must provide direction through policy, legislation and adequate budgeting. As experts argue, Nepal must move from a purely ‘top-down’ approach to a more effective ‘bottom-up’ model.
The government’s recent decision to update the Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan and prepare a national action plan is welcome. However, citizens do not want yet another report. Time-bound targets, clearly defined responsibilities, regular monitoring and public disclosure of progress must be mandatory. The long-discussed proposal to establish a powerful national pollution control authority capable of coordinating across all levels of government must now translate into action. Public awareness also plays a vital role. Regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding waste and crop residue burning, controlling dust at construction sites, preventing forest fires and monitoring industrial compliance all require active community participation. Yet public responsibility cannot replace state accountability. Strong regulation, penalties, investment in clean energy and leadership in technological transformation must come from the government. Clean air is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right. Failure to act decisively today will exact a heavy price in overcrowded hospitals, diminished quality of life and a weakened future generation. The fight against air pollution is no longer about tomorrow; it is about today. The government and all stakeholders concerned must act with due sense of urgency.
