INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, APRIL 10Exacerbating air pollution in Kathmandu Valley has posed several health risks to its residents, and
even slightest exposure to air while going outside has caused irritation, dry cough, and headaches.Mamita Bhandari's eyes were burning while
on her way to work today, "I have had eyes burn, dry cough, and headache for three days now."Similarly, Milan Rayamajhi stated that he has
been experiencing eye burns for more than three days
"I rinsed it with clean water, and then it became normal."
Uzma Banu Dhakal, on the other hand, has been suffering from
burning sensations in her nostrils
"While going outside, I usually use footpaths, which take longer to reach my destinations
As a result, I think I have been experiencing this due to air pollution and dust," she told THT.Unfortunately, they are not alone in facing
It is everybody's plight in the city
According to the World Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu Valley, which is home to over 3 million people, has consistently exceeded
unhealthy air quality measures and continues to deteriorate
In past few weeks, it has become one of the world's most polluted cities.AQI values above 100 pose a severe risk to human health
unhealthy if measured at 151-200, very unhealthy if it is at 201-300 and hazardous if it is 300
Similarly, Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2019, mentions an AQI of above 300, disaster.However, it has continuously crossed
200, which falls into a very unhealthy category.Chief contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road
repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires.Wildfire smoke has
serious health consequences, including eye problems
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires in 130 locations across the country on
Monday (April 8).Environmentalist Barsha Parajuli said people should remain highly alert regarding it
She requested that people reduce their exposure to the air
"On top of existing other sources of air pollution, the massive forest fires we are witnessing, not just at national but regional levels,
are turning out to be detrimental," she said
"Although doctors may not say, the cause of people's illnesses is due to air pollution."Today's AQI value was 214-the very unhealthy
When air quality is at such a point, not just people with health preconditions but everyone starts showing symptoms when exposed.The
symptoms may vary, like coughs, COPD, and eye irritation, among others.Further, air quality is also associated with other health issues like
heart attacks, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, and paralysis."The exposure of pregnant women is said to have impacts on the baby
in the womb, such as low birth weights," she added.She also stressed that air pollution poses serious threats to our constitutionally
Article 30 of the Constitution of Nepal has the provisions of Right to Clean Environment
"However, it is being violated due to poor implementation of the policies and plans."Article 30(1) stipulates, "Every citizen shall have the
right to live in a clean and healthy environment." Similarly, Article 30(2) reads, "The victim shall have the right to obtain compensation,
in accordance with law, for any damage caused by environmental pollution or degradation."Furthermore, the Management Action Plan for
Kathmandu Valley, 2019, prohibits garbage burning, encourages the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and issues public notices to
children, senior citizens, and patients to take extra precautions.Similarly, the National Environment Policy of 2019 states that national
standards for the prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical
pollution and policies will be developed and implemented in order to curb pollutants.The strategy calls for the establishment and operation
of quality measurement centres in polluted areas, such as major cities and industrial establishments, to map air, water, and sound quality
The policy also requires that environmentally friendly technology be used to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water leaks from industries
and other business sectors.According to experts, solutions exist, but initiatives are lacking
The right people in the right place are urgently needed to curb air pollution."Reducing emissions from sources, for instance, vehicle
emissions reduction by opting for electric vehicles, walking or cycling, and regular servicing of fossil based vehicles alone reduces 40% of
emissions," said Barsha Parajuli
"Electric cooking instead LPGs/biomass burning and avoiding open burning (vegetation/waste) could be potential ways to curb air
pollution."Similarly, Badri Raj Dhungana, spokesperson for the Forests and Environment Ministry, stated that such issues stem from a lack of
state investment, public awareness, and inter-agency coordination to improve air quality."Air pollution is increasing due to a lack of
environmental impact assessments during the construction of various projects, as well as a lack of effective implementation of rules related
to garbage management and environmental standards," Dhungana added
"Forwarding publicity activities to control forest fires was necessary because the forest fire exacerbated pollution."
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com