While natural factors, such as Kathmandu's geographical location and climate cannot be altered, human-related factors that exacerbate air quality can be mitigated through effective initiatives
During the last pre-monsoon months, the air quality index (AQI) of Kathmandu was recorded to be alarmingly high with an increased volume of fine particles of a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). This undesirable feat ranked Kathmandu as the world's most polluted city in the first week of April. Since then, the air quality parameters have gradually improved due to the dispersion of the pollution by gushing winds and intermittent rainfall. Recently, the torrential monsoon breeze and incessant downpour have significantly dispersed the pollution and settled down the fine particles. Nevertheless, the peril of air pollution is set to reappear once the monsoon ends.
Hazardous pollution is regarded as a silent killer as the higher AQI levels result in severe health problems, especially in elderly individuals and children as well as in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In addition, prolonged exposure to high level of fine particles aggravates even severe cardiac conditions. As the air quality of the valley is unlikely to improve anytime soon, a serious health care crisis is becoming increasingly inevitable.
Kathmandu and some other cities of Nepal are continuously suffering from hazardously deteriorating air quality over the past few years. This is supported by data published by the Ministry of Health that show that air pollution causes 42,000 deaths annually. Out of these fatalities, 19 per cent are children under five and 27 per cent constitute elderly individuals above 70 years. The data further reveals the shocking fact that pollution has reduced the average life expectancy of Nepali citizens by 4.1 per cent.
Factors that contribute to the air pollution surge in Kathmandu are multifaceted that include rapid and haphazard urbanisation, overflowing number of fossil fuel-driven automobiles, increased number of brick kilns within close proximity of human settlements, garbage dumping and burning in open places, construction and maintenance of roads and other infrastructures without following environment-related standard operating protocols. Above that, the mountains surrounding the Kathmandu Valley are the perfect barriers for the dispersion of pollutants, and the temperature inversion traps the pollutants near to ground.
Despite the surge in air pollution, the efforts of the environmental monitoring authorities are not sufficient enough to address and diminish these hazards. While natural factors, such as Kathmandu's geographical location and climate cannot be altered, human-related factors that exacerbate air quality can be mitigated through effective initiatives.
A comprehensive strategic approach is required to improve the worsening air quality in Kathmandu. For that, the Ministry of Environment should release a white paper outlining the deteriorating environmental condition of the valley, and the subsequent environment authorities should work on effective strategies to control pollution. A policy-level decision is crucial to reduce fossil fuel-driven automobiles and promote clean energy alternatives. Vehicular traffic in the core areas of Kathmandu should be reduced, with the introduction of affordable, clean-energy shuttle buses for commuters as an immediate measure to support this effort. Additionally, strict emission standards, such as Euro 6 equivalent, must be enforced for fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The brick kilns and other pollution aggravating industries should be shifted far away from human settlings.
In addition to appropriate government policies, public participation is equally important in improving the air quality of Kathmandu. For that, awareness initiatives should be conducted among the people. The geographical size of Kathmandu makes it an ideal place for people to use bicycles and public transportation. Additionally, the benefits of reducing household waste and importance of recycling should be conveyed through public forums. The green clean initiatives should be promoted by tree plantation initiatives in empty spaces. Dumping and burning of household waste in open areas and use of firewood-lit open kitchens should be circumvented.
These are mostly the short-term immediate solutions to reduce the pollution in Kathmandu to some extent. However, a long-term and sustainable plan should be drafted to tackle the pollution issues over the coming years. For that, the network of public transport system including clean energy-driven trams, buses and metros should be established as per feasibility. With increasing urbanisation of the valley and shortage of inhabitable land, the perimeter of the capital should be expanded beyond the extremities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. For that, some of the administrative centres and government authorities should be relocated to neighbouring districts. Dhulikhel of Kavrepalanchok district will be an ideal option for such relocation.
Moreover, after the completion of the Nagdhunga tunnel connecting Kathmandu with Sisnekhola of Dhading district, some of the administrative authorities could also be relocated along Sisnekhola area. These initiatives will reduce the number of people within the Kathmandu Valley thereby lessening the pollution.
Time is running out to implement the stringent policies towards reducing the burden of pollution in the Kathmandu Valley that has silently created a grave health havoc in the capital. The silent killer has already been unleashed in the guise of hazardous pollution and without immediate proper intervention, the health and well-being of millions of residents of the Kathmandu valley remain at risk. A collective and timely approach is necessary to restore Kathmandu's air quality and ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier future.
Dr Joshi is a senior scientist and independent opinion maker based in Germany
pushpa.joshi@gmail.com
