Warming faster, farming less, growing forests: What you need to know about Gandaki Province’s environment report
Summary
Gandaki Province’s first comprehensive environment report says warming is accelerating, farmland is shrinking, and forests are expanding across the province. It also flags worsening air pollution in Pokhara Valley, rising landslide risk, and growing climate pressure on agriculture and soil health.
Key Points
- Gandaki Province has released its first comprehensive State of Environment Report, with support from the UN Development Programme, to guide budgeting and planning.
- The report says air pollution is seasonal and severe in Pokhara Valley, driven by vehicle exhaust, household fuelwood, construction dust and forest fires.
- Forest area is expanding while farmland is shrinking across much of the province, with major declines in cereal production and livestock numbers.
- Climate change is raising temperatures, intensifying rainfall patterns and increasing landslide risk across large parts of Gandaki.
