Kathmandu, July 29 - An interaction programme on “Air Pollution Reduction and Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Technologies” was successfully conducted at Shree Viswa Niketan Secondary School, Tripureshowr, on 28 July 2026 under the project “Breathing Easier: Protecting Children from Air Pollution.”
The programme was organised by CLEAN UP NEPAL in collaboration with GD Labs and Research, with support from the EPIC Air Quality Fund. The initiative aimed to strengthen awareness and local action on air pollution, particularly its impacts on children’s health in urban areas.
According to the organisers, the session brought together 60 participants, including 32 male and 28 female representatives from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, health, education and environment departments, school representatives, teachers, members of the School Management Committee, and students.
The interaction focused on ambient air pollution and children’s exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), while also demonstrating the potential of low-cost air quality monitoring technologies for generating school-level air quality evidence. Such evidence can support informed local decision-making, coordinated action, and improved urban air quality management.
During the discussion, experts highlighted the major sources of air pollution in Kathmandu’s urban setting, including vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activities, and the burning of waste and other fuels. Participants also discussed the short- and long-term health impacts of PM2.5 exposure on children, such as respiratory illnesses, reduced lung function, and other environmental health risks.
The programme further explored practical mitigation measures, including reducing pollution at source, improving public awareness, promoting cleaner practices around schools, and strengthening community participation in air quality management. Emphasis was placed on the need for evidence-based planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the growing challenge of urban air pollution.
The interaction created a platform for meaningful dialogue among municipal stakeholders, educational institutions, and technical experts, reinforcing Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s commitment to strengthening local air quality management systems. Participants also discussed opportunities to expand air quality monitoring initiatives in schools and communities to generate reliable local data for future policy and planning processes.
Environmental experts involved in the programme noted that protecting children from air pollution requires continuous monitoring, public participation, institutional coordination, and sustained investment in clean air initiatives. The organisers expressed confidence that collaborative efforts such as this programme can contribute to healthier learning environments and more sustainable urban development in Kathmandu.
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