Health Ministry urges to adopt high precautions in view of rising air pollution; Combating Air Pollution: Experts propose two days off per week

Kathmandu / April 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged all to adopt high precautions in view of the increase in air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley.

Issuing a press release today, the Ministry requested everyone to take precautions as Nepal has been ranked in the list of most polluted countries in the world for the past few days as per the Air Quality Index.

An AQI level of 0-50 is considered ‘good’, from 51-100 ‘moderate’, from 101-150 ‘unhealthy for sensitive group’, from 151-200 to be ‘unhealthy’, from 201-3000 ‘very unhealthy’ and above 301 to be ‘hazardous’.

According to the Ministry, the AQI level in Kathmandu is now recorded at 348 and enlisted in the ‘hazardous’ category. Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki suggested children, elderly persons, pregnant women and people with respiratory illness to adopt special precautions as they are considered more vulnerable to the impact of air pollution.

The Ministry also urged general people not to step out of the house except for essential work, to wear masks while travelling and not to visit the most polluted areas. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has asked one and all to take initiatives in their areas to control air pollution and stay vigilant about health.

Air pollution levels is increasing due to forest fires, road construction and industrial activities, added the Authority.

Similarly, industries, factories and bodies operating construction-related activities have been urged to take necessary precautions in order to reduce air pollution.

The Authority through the government directed the bodies concerned to measure air pollution and adopt immediate measures to improve air quality.

Combating Air Pollution: Experts propose two days off per week

In response to the rising air pollution in Nepal, a proposal has been made to give two days off per week. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has put forward the idea, citing the growing pollution levels.

Acting Prime Minister Prakashman Singh held a meeting with experts on Thursday to discuss the issue. He emphasized that everyone needs to play a role in reducing the worsening air pollution.

During the discussion, the Ministry of Forests suggested the idea of two days off per week, and even proposed the possibility of implementing a system where vehicles are allowed on alternate days based on odd and even number plates. Ministry Secretary Deepak Kharal highlighted the severity of the situation.

Likewise, experts pointed out that vehicle emissions were a major contributor to the pollution and recommended taking immediate measures to reduce the pollution. Environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar emphasized the need for a comprehensive air quality management plan.

Fire expert Sundar Sharma suggested the development of a national strategy for environmental conservation. On the other hand, Ravi Singh, the president of the Construction Entrepreneurs Association, stated that the government should not blame construction businesses alone for the pollution.

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs pointed out that it was not public transport but the nearly 200,000 private vehicles contributing more significantly to the pollution problem.