Nepal’s Health and Life Expectancy Threatened by Rising Air Pollution

Updated:1 year, 3 months ago

Kathmandu (Nepal), April 08 (ANI): As the drone takes off, the skyline of Kathmandu is shrouded in a thick layer of polluted haze that has persisted for weeks. Visibility has significantly decreased, leading to frequent flight delays. On the ground, a grey haze continues to hang in the air, and its inhalation has been affecting people's health. Complaints of itchy eyes, sore throats, and burning sensations in the nose have become increasingly common. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) defines levels between 151–200 as unhealthy, affecting everyone, especially sensitive groups. AQI readings from 201–300 are considered very unhealthy, posing greater health risks to all. When the AQI exceeds 300, the air is deemed hazardous, indicating extremely poor conditions that can cause serious health issues for the entire population. Kathmandu’s air quality has remained dangerously poor, fluctuating between Very Unhealthy and Hazardous levels. Morning and evening hours are worst affected. The thick smog often blocks sunlight, worsening conditions. As a result, major hospitals like Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital have seen a sharp rise in patients with respiratory problems in their OPD. Emergency cases with respiratory issues have surged at TUTH, averaging 25 daily, pushing the hospital’s 300-patient capacity. Kathmandu has emerged as a major air pollution hotspot over the past decade due to urbanization, vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, and rampant waste burning. A recent emission test revealed 193 out of 261 public vehicles failed, highlighting poor enforcement of the 20-year vehicle ban.

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Nepal’s Health and Life Expectancy Threatened by Rising Air Pollution

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