KATHMANDU: The government has moved forward with a major initiative aimed at improving environmental quality and reducing air pollution across the country.
The Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project (NCAP) is set to be implemented from the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 as part of broader efforts to strengthen air quality management and promote sustainable industrial development.
The project, estimated at Rs 8.71 billion (USD 57 million), is designed to control air pollution, accelerate industrial green transformation, and encourage cleaner production practices.
The initiative has advanced after securing financial support from the World Bank, which has approved a concessional loan of USD 52 million along with a grant of USD 5 million.
Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanraj Subedi, said the project is expected to bring significant improvements to Nepal’s air quality management system.
According to him, the project will particularly support industries in shifting toward clean energy sources, helping reduce pollution generated by industrial activities.
“We are working to make the monitoring system more effective. As industries gradually adopt clean energy, pollution levels are expected to decline over the next five years,” Subedi said.
Officials believe the project will strengthen environmental governance while contributing to cleaner air and long-term economic sustainability.
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