Pollution May Rise Again After the Rain Stops, Experts Warn

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The Department of Environment has announced plans to increase monitoring to control pollution. According to the department, air pollution in Nepal tends to be high from mid-November (Mangsir) to mid-June (Jestha), and therefore, monitoring of vehicles and industries will be intensified to reduce pollution.

The department stated that the main causes of air pollution include smoke from factories and vehicles, construction work, open burning of waste and decaying materials, and smoke and dust from households.

Director General of the Department, Gyanraj Subedi, said that immediate plans to reduce pollution will be implemented by strictly monitoring and regulating those responsible for environmental pollution.

Due to a lack of rainfall over a long period, pollution had reached emergency levels a week ago. Currently, with the rain, pollution levels have decreased to around 113 AQI (Air Quality Index), whereas a week earlier it had exceeded 370 AQI. Although the rain has provided some relief from pollution, the department claims that pollution could rise again once the rain stops, and efforts are ongoing to keep it under control.

The department has advised the public not to start forest fires, as it is a criminal offense. It also recommends avoiding the burning of household solid waste, plastic waste, and agricultural residues, regularly maintaining vehicles, using clean energy in factories and kitchens, and controlling dust and smoke from roads and construction activities.