Nepal's air pollution crisis has reached alarming proportions posing an existential threat to public health, economic stability and environmental sustainability. The World Bank's latest report titled 'Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources and Solutions' states that the pollution levels have been consistently exceeding WHO safety limits. The report further reveals alarming facts about air pollution's emergence as a leading risk factor for premature deaths and chronic illnesses in Nepal. Air pollution has implicated the quality of life of people and reduced life expectancy by 3.4 years for the average Nepali with approximately 26,000 premature annual deaths. Moreover, its effect on labour productivity, tourism and the aviation sector is also concerning. The economic cost of poor air quality is equivalent to more than 6 percent of Nepal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year. The Kathmandu Valley and the tarai region, in particular, have evolved as major hotspots of air pollution, according to the report. Over the past few years, rising cases of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders and cognitive impairments, particularly among children and the elderly, and surges in asthma and bronchitis cases during peak pollution months have strained the already fragile healthcare system. If left unchecked, the economic burden of pollution-induced healthcare costs and lost productivity will adversely affect Nepal's development prospects.

The primary drivers of Nepal's air pollution crisis are well-known but have not been inadequately addressed. Vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, rampant construction and the burning of agricultural residues and waste collectively poison the air. Weak regulatory enforcement, outdated vehicle emission standards and the unchecked import of substandard fuel are considered as key policy failures. Additionally, the shift from traditional brick kilns to cleaner technologies has been sluggish. The situation demands immediate and decisive intervention from policymakers, industries and citizens alike. The findings of the report should serve as a wake-up call, requiring long-term strategic planning. Nepal cannot afford to treat air pollution as a seasonal inconvenience any longer.

Addressing Nepal's air pollution requires a multi-pronged strategy. First, the government must pass and enforce stringent air quality laws, including Euro 6-equivalent vehicle emission standards, mandatory use of industrial air pollution control devices and stricter penalties for open burning. Investment in mass transit – such as electric buses and metro rail systems – should be accelerated to reduce vehicular dependence. Second, green urban planning must be integrated into development agendas while providing incentives for renewable energy, waste-to-energy projects and sustainable construction practices. Third, public awareness campaigns must educate citizens on the health risks of pollution and promote behavioural changes, such as mask usage and reduced biomass burning. The World Bank's report should serve as a catalyst for action. Nepal has the tools and knowledge to combat air pollution. What it lacks is political will and urgency.