Kathmandu: As air pollution levels continue to be harmful throughout the week, Nepal‘s Ministry of Health and Population has advised citizens to exercise care.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) has ranked Nepal as one of the most polluted nations, the health ministry said in a statement. With Kathmandu’s AQI score at 348, which is considered ‘dangerous,’ the MoHP cautioned pregnant women, those with chronic diseases, the elderly, and children to exercise extra caution.

The MoHP has advised avoiding severely polluted regions, using masks while traveling, and remaining home unless absolutely required.

“Vulnerable groups–children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions–should exercise heightened caution,” said Ministry Spokesperson Prakash Budhathoki. The Ministry urges people to avoid highly polluted regions, use masks while going outdoors, and remain indoors unless it is absolutely essential.

The following is how the AQI categorizes air quality: 151-200 is “unhealthy,” 201-300 is “very unhealthy,” 51-100 is “moderate,” 101-150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 0-50 is “good,” and anything above 301 is “hazardous.” With an AQI of 348 right now, Kathmandu is firmly in the “hazardous” category.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority blamed industrial operations, road building, and forest fires for the increase in pollution. In order to reduce emissions and protect public health, it has urged individuals, businesses, and construction companies to adopt proactive measures. The Authority has also instructed pertinent agencies to conduct immediate crisis mitigation measures and keep a close eye on air quality.
The Kathmandu Valley’s air pollution has been much worse in recent weeks, becoming physically and visibly obvious.

Fine particulate matter and dangerous substances are found in pollution. Smaller dust particles, such as PM2.5, enter the lungs more deeply and cause infections, asthma, and chronic respiratory disorders, whereas bigger dust particles are filtered out in the upper respiratory tract. This may sometimes lead to dangerously low oxygen levels, fainting, or severe asthma episodes.

In addition to respiratory problems, air pollution impairs immunity, increasing a person’s risk of contracting pneumonia and other illnesses.

Nicotine, cadmium, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other toxic pollutants enter the circulation and impact important organs, including the brain, kidneys, and heart. They also raise the chance of paralysis and cancer. High pollution levels may harm a pregnant woman’s unborn child.

The valley’s pollution is trapped by cold air throughout the winter, causing a “blanket effect” that hinders adequate air circulation. Morning and evening pollution levels are quite severe. The decline in air quality has been caused by urban activity, pollution, and seasonal fires.

According to the Ministry of Health, air pollution kills 42,000 people in Nepal each year, with 27% of those over 70 and 19% of those under five dying as a result. According to the statistics, Nepalis’ life expectancy has dropped by 4.1% as a result of air pollution.

This is a developing public health emergency because Nepal’s air quality is far worse than the acceptable air guidelines set by the WHO.

In the meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has called on pertinent sectors to implement pollution-reduction strategies, such as appropriate waste management, construction dust control, and forest fire suppression.

According to a press statement from the disaster management authority, “Citizens have been encouraged to use masks, reduce outdoor activities, and follow health safety measures.” Forest fires, road construction, industrial operations, and the growing season’s heat have all been blamed by authorities for the increase in pollution.