In Nepal, air pollution has grown to be a significant environmental problem. The air quality in Nepal has substantially declined as a result of the country's fast expanding population, growing urbanization, and the unchecked growth of industries. Both the ecosystem and the general public are seriously endangered by air pollution.

Causes of Air Pollution

The main contributors to air pollution in Nepal are vehicle emissions, urbanization, and industrialization. Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide are only a few of the air pollutants that are frequently released into the atmosphere by industrial activities. The usage of fossil fuels in transportation and industry also adds to air pollution.

Due to the rise of cities and towns brought on by urbanization, green spaces and forests that naturally purify the air have been destroyed. As a result, air pollution is severe in Nepal's cities. Another significant source of air pollution in Nepal is vehicle emissions. The nation's fuel standards are subpar, and many of the vehicles on the road are outdated and in bad condition.

Recent Air Pollution Index Data for Nepal

Nepal has some of the most polluted cities in the world, according to the most recent data from the World Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI gauges the amount of dangerous pollutants in the air, such as ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

The average PM2.5 concentration in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, was 110 g/m3 in 2021, which is deemed harmful for vulnerable populations. There were also substantial levels of air pollution in other significant cities, including Birgunj, Hetauda, and Pokhara. The AQI data also demonstrates that Nepal experiences particularly high levels of air pollution during the winter, when people burn wood and other biomass for heating.

Effects of Air Pollution

Public health is significantly impacted by air pollution, especially the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. High amounts of air pollution can result in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disorders. The impacts of air pollution are particularly harmful to children, expectant mothers, and the elderly.

The ecology is significantly impacted by air pollution as well. Acid rain, which can harm agriculture, forests, and water bodies, can result from it. By boosting the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, air pollution can potentially accelerate climate change.

In Nepal, air pollution is a serious problem for the environment and for people's health. Strong rules and regulations are required to limit industrial emissions, raise fuel standards, and promote environmentally friendly transportation in order to lower air pollution levels. In order to decrease their exposure to air pollution, the public must be made aware of its negative impacts. Together, we can enhance Nepal's air quality and safeguard both the environment and people's health.