Kathmandu has faced unhealthy air pollution levels since mid-November, with AQI (PM2.5) often exceeding 150, posing risks to children, the elderly, and those with health issues. Deepak Gyawali, Department of Environment spokesperson, attributes this to winter pollution sources like agricultural residue burning, brick kilns, dusty roads, and waste burning. The Department urges measures such as reducing industrial emissions, managing road dust, and avoiding waste burning.
Gyawali emphasized shared responsibility among agencies, citing the need for road dust control and vehicle emission standards. In the last fiscal year, 126 industries were monitored, most exceeding pollution limits. This year, 200 are planned for monitoring, with non-compliant industries referred for action.
Meanwhile, ICIMOD reported hazardous PM2.5 levels across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, with some cities exceeding WHO limits by 20 times. Using tools like the Air Quality Dashboard, researchers track pollution trends through satellite data and ground sensors, providing insights to address the crisis.