Opinion | No bigger cause
Summary
Nepal faces severe air pollution with Kathmandu ranked among the world's most polluted cities, leading to serious health risks and thousands of premature deaths annually. Urgent state action is needed, including stricter enforcement against burning waste, transition to electric vehicles, and declaring a public health emergency.
Key Points
- Kathmandu is among the world's most polluted cities with an Air Quality Index of 184, and Dhangadi faces 'very unhealthy' air with an AQI of 272.
- Air pollution in Nepal is 8.6 times higher than WHO guidelines for safe air, caused by rapid urbanisation, vehicle emissions, waste burning, and forest fires.
- Air pollution leads to approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually in Nepal and significantly reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years.
- The article calls for urgent government action including declaration of a public health emergency, stricter enforcement to stop burning waste and stubbles, and promoting electric vehicle adoption.
