Most Kathmandu Valley residents rely on senses, not data, to assess air pollution: Taza survey
Summary
A new Taza Initiative Nepal survey finds that most Kathmandu Valley residents judge air pollution by smell, visibility and eye irritation rather than official data. While support for cleaner transport and dust control is strong, many respondents say they are dissatisfied with government action on air quality.
Key Points
- A survey of 1,200 Kathmandu Valley residents found that 81.2 percent consider air pollution hazardous or extremely hazardous to their health.
- Among those who monitor air quality, 94.1 percent rely on senses such as smell, visibility and eye irritation instead of official data.
- Residents in Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur reported poor local air quality, while support was strong for public transport, electric mobility and dust-control measures.
- Roshani Giri of Taza Initiative Nepal said the survey shows a major disconnect between residents’ concern and their ability to access reliable air-quality information.
