Kathmandu Valley braces for another season of air pollution
Summary
Air pollution is rising again in the Kathmandu Valley as the dry season begins, with PM2.5 levels already reaching unhealthy ranges in several areas. UNICEF says 9.9 million children in Nepal are exposed to unhealthy air pollution, while a World Bank report warns polluted air cuts average life expectancy by 3.4 years.
Key Points
- PM2.5 levels in several parts of the Kathmandu Valley reached unhealthy levels on Thursday morning, with Mid-Baneshwar recording the highest concentration at 153 μg/m³.
- Experts warn the worst pollution is still ahead as stubble burning begins in Nepal’s Tarai and neighboring India ahead of the Diwali/Tihar season.
- UNICEF says 9.9 million children in Nepal are exposed to unhealthy air pollution, along with drought, extreme heat and landslide risks.
- A World Bank report says polluted air reduces average life expectancy in Nepal by 3.4 years and causes about 26,000 premature deaths annually.
