KATHMANDU, March 11: In recent days, the sky over the Kathmandu Valley has appeared more hazy than blue. When people wake up in the morning, distant hills are barely visible, and even when the sun shines during the day, the atmosphere feels covered by a layer of smog. Complaints of throat irritation while breathing and burning eyes have also increased.
The rise in air pollution levels in various parts of the country has also affected the Kathmandu Valley. According to the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, air pollution has reached unhealthy levels in areas including Ilam, Achham, Bhaisipati in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Ratna Park and Shankha Park in Kathmandu, the area around Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, Deukhuri in Dang, and Surkhet.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) used by the government, a reading of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘moderate’, 101–150 ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 ‘very unhealthy’, and above 301 ‘hazardous’. In several locations, the AQI has already crossed 150.
The department also said air pollution levels in areas such as Khumaltar in Lalitpur, Mustang, and around Dhulikhel in Kavre have reached levels that can harm people with chronic illnesses and sensitive health conditions.
Why is pollution increasing in Kathmandu?
According to Gyan Raj Subedi, director general of the Department of Environment, the current pollution is largely seasonal, but the valley’s geography and human activities are making the situation more severe.
He explained that the Kathmandu Valley is geographically shaped like a bowl surrounded by hills, which prevents dust and smoke particles from easily dispersing.
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“Many factors that contribute to air pollution are present in Kathmandu,” Subedi said. “Emissions from vehicles, smoke and dust from industries, fires, forest fires, development and construction work, and the burning of waste are among the main causes.”
The long period without rainfall after the end of the monsoon has also contributed to rising pollution levels.
“When there is no rain, dust and smoke particles remain suspended in the atmosphere instead of settling on the ground,” he said. “During winter months, weak wind circulation causes these pollutants to accumulate within the valley.” He also warned that forest fires starting in some areas could further increase pollution.
Old vehicles—particularly diesel-powered ones—and poorly maintained vehicles are also considered major sources of pollution.
Similarly, the practice of burning waste, plastic, or agricultural residue in and around Kathmandu has increased toxic particles in the air, according to the department. Toward the end of the fiscal year, development projects often accelerate spending, and construction works generate more dust, further worsening pollution.
When will it decrease?
According to senior meteorologist Barun Paudel of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, significant rainfall or strong winds are required to reduce pollution levels.
He said haze has already been observed in areas with higher pollution, reducing visibility.
Paudel said there is a possibility of light rainfall on Thursday in some areas of Gandaki, Bagmati, Koshi, and Madhesh provinces, which could help reduce pollution to some extent.
With winter gradually ending and summer approaching, meteorologists say the sun will become stronger during the day and the likelihood of evening thunderstorms and rainfall will increase.
With the rise in pollution levels, the Ministry of Health and Population has also urged the public to take precautions.
According to the National Health Education, Information and Communication Center under the ministry, air pollution occurs when smoke, harmful chemicals, and fine dust particles mix in the air. When inhaled, these particles can enter the body through the respiratory system and seriously affect the lungs and circulatory system.
In particular, fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 are considered extremely harmful to human health.
According to Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, air pollution increases the risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke.
He advised children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory illnesses to take special precautions.
The ministry has also urged people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, use masks when going outside, and limit outdoor activities especially during the morning and evening hours.
Environmental experts say that government efforts alone are not sufficient to reduce air pollution. Cooperation between citizens and authorities is essential, including regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding the burning of waste and crop residues, controlling forest fires, and adopting dust-control measures during construction activities.
