KATHMANDU: Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has urged all stakeholders to play their part in tackling rising air pollution, which has increasingly affected public life.
During a discussion with experts at the Ministry of Urban Development on Thursday, Singh pointed out that wildfires are a major cause of the current pollution crisis.
He assured that the government would take necessary decisions soon.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment suggested a two-day public holiday per week and an odd-even vehicle restriction if pollution levels continue to rise.
Secretary Deepak Kharel noted that urgent measures are needed to control the situation.
Experts identified vehicular emissions as a key factor, recommending temporary traffic reduction.
Environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar stressed the need for a national air quality plan, while wildfire expert Sundar Sharma called for a comprehensive environmental strategy.
Transport and construction industry representatives also weighed in, with the National Transport Federation arguing that private motorcycles contribute more pollution than public vehicles.
Meanwhile, Construction Federation President Ravi Singh opposed blaming only the construction sector, stressing that solutions should be more inclusive.
Forestry Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi, State Minister Rupa BK, and other officials were present at the discussion.
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