World Bank Approves $52 Million Concessional Loan for Nepal's Air Quality Improvement

Key Points

• The World Bank has approved a $52 million concessional loan to Nepal to reduce air pollution and strengthen air quality management.
• The project focuses on reducing emissions from boilers and furnaces in industrial and commercial sectors in Kathmandu Valley, Terai region, and mountain foothills.
• Air pollution in Nepal causes economic losses exceeding 6% of GDP due to healthcare and productivity impacts.
• The project encourages Nepali industries to adopt cleaner production methods, supporting sustainable development.
• This initiative is part of the World Bank's regional air quality program covering the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills.