LALITPUR: Third series of Maskmandu campaign will be launched from February 8 in Kathmandu with an objective of creating public awareness against pollution of Kathmandu Valley as well as exerting pressure on stakeholders.

The campaign focuses on the need of collective initiative for reducing air pollution, stressing that air pollution of the Valley has been creating an adverse impact on people's health and environment. Clean Energy Nepal (CEN), an independent non-profit organisation, has taken the initiative in conducting the campaign.

Various programmes will be organised at different places in Kathmandu Valley under the campaign, which had its first and second series in 2016.

Rajan Thapa of the CEN said, "We are going to give continuity to the campaign under the slogan 'I love my lungs' to induce pressure to make Kathmandu Valley clean."

Nepal's air quality is one of the worst in the world. Nepal was ranked last for air quality among 180 countries, according to the recently released EPI report, which highlighted air pollution as a leading threat to public health.