KATHMANDU: Air pollution levels have been rising in various parts of Nepal in recent days due to unfavorable weather conditions, authorities said.
According to officials, concentrations of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter considered harmful to human health — have increased in several areas, particularly in major cities including Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as in most locations across the Tarai region.
The Department of Environment under the Ministry of Forests and Environment has urged the public to adopt precautionary measures to minimize the health impacts of air pollution.
In an appeal issued on Tuesday, the department requested citizens to wear masks when going outdoors during periods of high pollution. It also advised vehicle owners to carry out regular maintenance of their vehicles and urged people to refrain from burning garbage and agricultural residues.
The department further called on the public not to start forest fires and to make immediate efforts to extinguish them if they occur. Construction activities should be carried out in a way that minimizes dust emissions, while industries are required to operate in full compliance with government-set environmental standards.
Director General Gyan Raj Subedi emphasized that effective reduction of air pollution will only be possible through cooperation and positive efforts from both responsible agencies and the general public.
He noted that pollution levels tend to be higher during the morning and evening hours. According to the department, colder temperatures prevent pollutants released from various sources from dispersing into the atmosphere. The prolonged lack of rainfall in recent weeks has also contributed to the worsening air quality during this season.
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