Government, experts, and development partners chart roadmap to tackle air pollution
KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 4
Nepal has launched the development of its first National Air Quality Management Action Plan (NAQMAP), aiming to address the country's worsening air pollution through a coordinated national strategy.
The Department of Environment (DoEnv), in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the UK's international development programme, convened an inception workshop in Kathmandu on August 29. The event brought together experts from Nepal, India, and China to share experiences in curbing urban air pollution.
Speaking at the opening, Minister for Forest and Environment Aain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri emphasized that improving air quality must be a collective responsibility across ministries. "Convergence of schemes has worked to India's favour for air quality improvements. A similar coordinated approach can work to Nepal's advantage," he said.
A 2024 global report found that 89% of Nepal's population lives in areas with PM2.5 levels above the WHO interim target of 35 µg/m3.
Officials noted that NAQMAP will serve as a guiding framework for national air quality management. Gyanraj Subedi, Director General of the DoEnv, said the effort marks "a milestone" for Nepal. He added that expertise from institutions such as ICIMOD and the World Bank would be instrumental in designing the plan.
Experts from India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) outlined lessons from the country's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019, which has introduced city-specific actions, targeted emission cuts, and performance-linked funding mechanisms. China's success in reducing emissions, particularly in Beijing, was also highlighted.
ICIMOD's Ashish Tiwari said the plan would go beyond health impacts to consider productivity, agriculture, and climate change. UK Embassy adviser Jonathan Reeves added that tackling black carbon was crucial, as it contributes to both public health risks and Himalayan glacier melt.
The NAQMAP, once finalized, will guide Nepal's long-term policy, institutional coordination, and monitoring systems for clean air.
