Kathmandu, December 17

Unplanned developmental activities, increasing number of old vehicles plying on the roads and smoke from brick kilns have together contributed to making Kathmandu Valley one of the most polluted cities. Increasing pollution has posed a serious threat to public health.

“Kathmandu has become one of the most polluted cities. People here have to think twice before breathing in,” said Sudip Pathak, member of National Human Rights Commission.

Speaking at an interaction on ‘Environment, Development and Human Rights’ organised by Nepal Bar Association Environmental Law Committee today at Nepal Bar Association, Kathmandu, he said NHRC alone couldn’t protect human rights and political leaders, local level representatives and other stakeholders needed to contribute to ensure that developmental activities did not pose a serious threat to human life.

“Environmental pollution has a direct impact on the health of citizens. The government should focus on maintaining environmental balance while carrying out development activities,” he said.

“Government should protect the fundamental rights of the citizens while carrying out developmental activities,” said Padam Shrestha, an advocate, and chair of Nepal Bar Association Environmental law Committee.

“Any government body, including local levels, can formulate the law for development activities and environmental protection. Development activities should not threaten to disturb the environmental balance,” he said.