Kathmandu was ranked third most polluted city in the world in the afternoon with AQI at 191
KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 17
In light of deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu as a result of extreme air pollution, industry experts have urged political parties to include resolving the issue in their agendas. They have also emphasised that now is the ideal time for political parties to express their concerns about environmental issues.
As of this afternoon, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Kathmandu was 191, up from 178 yesterday afternoon. As per a US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) standard, this level is unhealthy for everyone.
The AQI standard states that when the index falls between 151 and 200, health effects may start to affect everyone, and those in sensitive groups may experience more severe health effects.
Kathmandu was ranked the third most polluted city in the world based on the AQI level. With an AQI of 229, New Delhi was the most polluted city in the afternoon, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, which came in second with an AQI of 203.
While the pollution level had dropped slightly by the evening, Nepal still ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities. The increasing number of motor vehicles in the Kathmandu valley, emissions from petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles, dust from newly constructed roads and infrastructure projects, forest fires and extended drought have all contributed to the rise in air pollution, according to environmental experts.
An AQI of zero to 50, denoted by green, is regarded as adequate, and there is little to no danger from air pollution. Similarly, the range of 51 to 100, indicated in yellow, is regarded as moderate and acceptable. However, a very small percentage of individuals who are exceptionally sensitive to air pollution may experience moderate health concerns. People with respiratory conditions like asthma, as well as active kids and adults, should limit extended outdoor exertion.
Likewise, the orange-highlighted numbers 101 to 150 are deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups and may have negative health effects. There is less chance that the general public will be impacted. People with respiratory conditions like asthma, as well as active kids and adults, should limit extended outdoor exertion.
An AQI between 151 and 200, shown in red, is considered unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, with sensitive groups experiencing more severe effects. Active children and adults, as well as people with respiratory diseases like asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, whereas others, particularly children, should limit it, according to the standard.
Similarly, 201 to 300, shown in purple, is considered extremely unhealthy. The overall population is more likely to be impacted. Active children and adults, as well as people suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, should avoid all outdoor activity.
An AQI of 300 or higher, highlighted in maroon, is considered hazardous. According to the standard, everyone may experience more serious health effects and should avoid outdoor exertion.
Dr Ramji Ram, who is currently in Tarai, stated, "The air pollution here is similar. Eye burns are fairly common here. A serious intervention to reduce air pollution is critical. This could be more effective if candidates and influential people address the issue."
He stated that many patients come to him with sleep anxiety issues caused by pollution and that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. "They can't wear masks all the time. And, as pollution has persisted, health problems such as burning sensations, allergies, respiratory diseases, coughing and pharyngitis have become increasingly common."
"Air pollution is reported to be one of the leading causes of death in Nepal, and we have the worst air quality most of the year," Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Padmakanya Multiple Campus, TU, Chandramani Aryal, told THT. "Thus, this should be the priority agenda for elections."
According to him, pollution in Kathmandu is a multifaceted issue. "We are approaching it the wrong way," he stated. "In the transportation sector, we have placed too much emphasis on private vehicles. We do not have properly executed land use plans."
He emphasised that vehicles are a major source of air pollution. "We must start from there. We need to implement the 'green sticker' properly and try to reduce the number of vehicles by investing in public transport," he said.
"We need to incorporate green infrastructure like urban forests, green belts and green walls. The major sources of particulate matter in the valley are due to construction activities, so we also need to manage them," he said. "Research has shown that open waste burning is one of the causes of air pollution. We need to discourage that."
He stressed that environmental issues are simple to solve; all that is required is a shift in people's behaviour. However, it is difficult, as it requires people to change their behaviour. "As a result, policy should focus on behaviour change," he stated.
Dr Bhupendra Das, an air quality expert, also stated that this is a recurring issue and that political parties should prioritise it on their agendas.
Infrastructure development is a top priority for the government, but this problem is creating issues. He stated that since a sizable portion of the population resides in Kathmandu, air pollution puts a great number of people at risk.
"This issue should be a top priority for the government, and development agencies should push for this agenda to become a priority as well."
He added that since it affects the nation's GDP and, more significantly, people's health, politicians should also be aware of this problem. "People's productivity at work will decline if health problems worsen, which will affect the nation's GDP. Therefore, now is the ideal moment for political parties to give this issue a top priority."
Gyan Raj Subedi, director general of the Department of Environment, stated that in the absence of rainfall, the pollution level is likely to rise even more. He advised all stakeholders to take sustainable and environmentally friendly measures to mitigate the effects of rising air pollution.