Kathmandu | April 4, 2025
Kathmandu has alarmingly topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world, prompting the Government of Nepal to issue urgent health advisories amid rapidly deteriorating air quality conditions. Both the Ministry of Health and Population and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) have sounded the alarm over severe air pollution levels posing direct threats to public health.
According to the latest data from the Air Quality Index (AQI), Nepal has registered AQI levels above 201, which falls under the "very unhealthy" category. Environmental experts warn that the situation could remain critical for at least another week unless swift mitigation measures are adopted.
Mounting Health Concerns
Health officials have reported a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, lung infections, dry cough, throat irritation, and allergic reactions. Citizens have also complained of burning eyes, dry skin, persistent headaches, and unusual fatigue—symptoms directly linked to excessive exposure to air pollutants.
“The current level of pollution can seriously impact the eyes, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular system,” said Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. “We urge the public to minimize outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.”
Root Causes of the Crisis
The NDRRMA attributes the alarming pollution levels to a combination of environmental and human-made factors, including:
Uncontrolled forest fires across several regions of Nepal,
Construction-related dust and vehicle emissions,
Open burning of household and plastic waste,
The unique topography of the Kathmandu Valley which traps pollutants,
A notable delay in the onset of the monsoon season and insufficient winter rainfall.
These cumulative factors have created a choking haze over the capital and major cities, severely affecting air quality and public well-being.
Urgent Measures Recommended
In a joint appeal, the Ministry of Health and the NDRRMA have recommended the following immediate actions:
Stay indoors as much as possible, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Encourage remote work and reduce non-essential travel.
Use N95 or certified pollution masks when venturing outdoors.
Halt or regulate high-emission construction activities.
Avoid burning trash, plastics, or agricultural residues.
Maintain vehicles and switch to cleaner fuels where possible.
The Department of Environment has also warned that setting forest fires is a punishable public offense and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to suppress ongoing fires and prevent new outbreaks.
A Call to Action
Environmental experts and public health officials urge the government and civil society to treat this crisis as a wake-up call. As Kathmandu stands at the frontlines of an urban environmental emergency, stronger policies on pollution control, urban planning, and climate resilience are more urgent than ever.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on air quality, health recommendations, and long-term solutions to Nepal’s worsening pollution crisis.
