According to the 2017 Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, the transport sector contributes over 30 percent of total suspended particles (TSP), or 20,072 tonnes, into the air. This trend is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that urban population will reach 60 million by 2040 [ 32 ]. These are the key points that needs to be followed in order to bring a positive change in the environment. The air in Kathmandu, already dubbed one of the most polluted cities in the world, gets worse once the winter sets in. Write a newspaper article on environmental pollution in Nepal to be published in a newspaper. Their effectiveness also varies depending on the work place, environment and fitting. Department of Information Registration No. As the new year gets underway, the world continues to grapple with a number of familiar challenges - the continued COVID-19 pandemic, resurgent wildfires, enduring crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Editor Online: Sahina Shrestha | Executive Editor: Sonia Awale But so far, the government has done almost nothing to control air pollution.. Air pollution is a familiar environmental health hazard. Find out more. People must stay safe indoors and not come out except for emergencies, the health ministry said. The company's plan to a second gas-fired power plant next to the existing one is being opposed by residents of the mainly minority and low-income communities around the plant who say an environmental justice law signed over two years ago by New Jersey Gov. There are dozens of types of masks available in Kathmandu. Vehicular emissions or traffic related particulate matter has serious health effects such as increased respiratory disease, reduced lung function, asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, heart disease etc. Hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents, breathing air thick with pollutants unleashed from tombs of rubble, fearful that a new disaster could strike at any moment. The Kathmandu Post : Find the latest breaking news from Nepal, opinion & analysis on Nepali politics, business, culture & arts, sports, movies, food & travel, books, education, auto & more at kathmandupost.com The effect of dust is not limited to human beings, but is also felt by plants, particularly to those closer to the road. 'We need to transform our commitment into action that will have an impact on the gases that drive climate change.'. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. The effect of dust is not limited to human beings, but is also felt byplants, particularly to those closer to the road. Winter inversion, vehicular emission, wildfires, and cross-border industrial pollution have combined to give Kathmandu Valley the worst air quality among cities in the world this week, adding to the risk of respiratory complications for Covid-19 patients. editors@nepalitimes.com | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005602 Some air pollution is not seen, but its pungent smell alerts you. In this level of air quality, everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Atmospheric greenhouse gases reach record high, latest essay from our Megamorphosis series now. Rivers, ponds and lakes should not be polluted because it affects animals and plants lives too. The agency, along with local and . Publisher: Kunda Dixit, Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu We know what we're looking at when brown haze settles over a city, exhaust billows across a busy highway, or a plume rises from a smokestack. 2426/077-78 Additionally, problems like littering and excessive carbon emissions are causing problems for both people and the environment. Because Nepals national government and municipalities have done little to reduce risk, citizens have adopted their own methods of personal protection: wearing masks, installing air purifiers at home and office, cancelling morning walks, and monitoring air pollution levels on apps before allowing children to play outside. A Love Beyond Measure: The Unforgettable Reunion, , . Located between China and India, two of the worlds biggest polluters, the Himalayan nation is seeing the worst pollution levels since 2016. "Trans-boundary pollution can affect our air quality too as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, connected to Nepal, are also polluted. The website is owned and published by The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity. Arjun Khadka, 65, who owns a grocery store in Kathmandu, said he experienced itching and burning sensations in the eyes and nose which could be due to pollution. Nestled between China and India - two of the world's biggest polluters - Nepal often . The first step in controlling air pollution is with electric public transport because vehicular emissions make up the majority of pollutants in Kathmandus air, says environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar. Krishna Kumar, a local business person at Kirtipur explained:Manybusinesseshavegone down due to high amount of road dust. News from Indian environment including wildlife like tiger, lion, elephants. Macrotech Developers Ltd. 997.35 152.6. Quantifying the socio-economic impact of air pollution on a country will be vital in raising awareness among the public as well as policy makers and leaders, but as we have seen in Nepal it does not immediately lead to policy change. The 24-hour average level of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can reach deep into the lungs, was 214 micrograms per cubic metre in the upscale area of Bhaisepati in Kathmandu on Sunday, Department of Environment data showed. Yours sincerely, Rajesh. "Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. An article by three Brazilian researchers published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research aims to contribute to progress in this field by proposing a novel perspective on particle . Q : Only continent in the world without a desert is. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The theme for World Environment Day (5 June) is #BeatAirPollution. When a vehicle passes by, dust is released into the air and pollutes the clothes that are kept for selling and the customers do not like the polluted ones. In recent years, cities in the Tarai have become infamous for the poor quality of their air, mostly because of the heavy presence of industries, dust from construction, and also trans-boundary pollution. When will women lead big political parties? EIAs must be submitted to Nepal's Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) for approval, whereas IEEs can be approved by other relevant ministries. The Art of Dealing with Breaking Up: Get over those blues and Take Break-Ups Lightly. Three members of the Paudel family followed suit, but they never gave much thought to the quality of the air they were breathing in. Take your pick, but remember the best thing is to reduce the source of pollution. Recently the government has decided that the plastics that are less than 40 microns will be banned from use from the month of Shrawan 2078. The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals upended a region of Ohio where generations of families could afford to buy acres of land, raise livestock and plant gardens. The World Health Organisation ('WHO') has reported that PM2.5 levels of particulate matter in urban areas of Nepal . Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a population of around3.5 million. ? But the Narayani's problems go back further. Average life expectancy is reduced by at least four years in the worst-affected areas like Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and other parts of the Tarai. The victims of air pollutionurgently requirean appropriate action plan for mitigating these problems. once done will text u on pint nd ins, I saw a fantastic film yesterday. There will be complications in irrigation facility, deforestation will take place and landslides may occur, the water resources will get soaked. Air pollution frequently causes osteoporosis, heart attacks, dementia and kidney diseases. Efforts for improving air quality should be of utmost priority now so that safety of citizens' health can be ensured. WASHINGTON - Today the Environmental Working Group published an analysis of peer-reviewed data that for the first time shows the global scope of contamination by the "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which may be harming over 330 wildlife species around the world.. To receive the magazine, become a member now. Kathmandus AQI has remained at the Maroon Hazardous level for two days in a row. Though the readings slowly became less alarming after the morning hours, at 10:00 am and onwards, the readings for Simara was still lingering above 300; others (stations mentioned above) showed the index between 151 to 200. Nepal, with a population of 30 million people, is located in the Himalayas between China and India, two of the world's biggest polluters. Factors contributing to this level of pollution are local, said Shankar Prasad Paudel, information officer with the Department of Environment. 30 Mar 2021. 21 October 2021 Climate and Environment. Change to compound, We took a tour of the most amazing Chateau during our holiday, which we discovered . by accident.a. The garbage should be properly disposed and managed. A mask at best is a temporary solution and does not block harmful gases. Nepal isn't short of water, thanks to the monsoon rains and the rivers that bring meltwater down from the Himalayan glaciers and snowpack. China will be the host nation and will showcase its dramatic progress in cutting pollution. We human beings have been using the natural resources profusely. 2426/077-78 The analysis, based on more than 100 recent peer-reviewed studies, detected over 120 unique PFAS compounds in these animals . Microplastics are man-made pollutants which have been detected in surface water and groundwater. The high mountains around the Kathmandu valley allows air pollution to accumulate inthe city. El descarrilamiento en East Palestine, Ohio, se ha convertido en uno de los incidentes ms mediticos y ms politizados de su tipo en los ltimos aos. Nepali lawmakers tend to shun study and researchwith rare exceptions, Healthy youth presence perks up Lumbini Provincial Assembly. This is a very great decision taken by the government. The 24-hour average level of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can reach deep into the lungs, was 214 micrograms per cubic metre in the upscale area of Bhaisepati in Kathmandu on Sunday, Department of Environment data showed.That compares with the government's standard level of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. In addition, vehicles passing over broken or traveled roadrelease huge amounts of dust particles into the air, worsening air pollution further. Between 301 and 400 (maroon), the air quality is at a hazardous level; it has more severe health implications. Getting prepared now will make that transition smoother. Research on microplastic concentration in aquatic environment is attracting scientists from developing countries, but in Nepal no information regarding microplastic in freshwater system is available. Besides the quantity of fuel consumption, the poor road condition of older vehicles is triggering air quality problems in the valley. A man performs morning workout with smog covering Kathmandu, Copyright 2023 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently concluded that surgical masks blocked 80% of particles sized 0.007 microns. at Phora Darbar. KATHMANDU Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. This also adds to the risk of COVID-19, said Sher Bahadur Pun, a doctor at a tropical and infectious disease hospital in the capital. Nepal, with a population of 30 million people, is located in the Himalayas between China and India, two of the world's biggest polluters. News from Indian environment including wildlife like tiger, lion, elephants. We all have been well aware about the problem of environmental pollution which has been very petrifying to the living beings. Collective action from many sectors is needed to assure that everyone can breathe clean air.. Haze engulfs Kathmandu valley as the air pollution increases to unhealthy levels, on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The US Environmental Protection Agency gave the all clear for residents to return home shortly after the February 3 derailment and controlled burn that followed. As AQ AirVisual data shows, PM2.5 levels in Kathmandu saw a continuous rise last yearfrom 65.6 g/m3 in November, followed by 91.9 g/m3 in December, 92.5g/m3 in January and peaking at 96.3 g/m3 in February. We need to be extra careful because by the time we reach peak pollution levels, we will be gearing up to launch Visit Nepal 2020, said Tuladhar. The strategy guiding the work for The Ecologist for the years 2023 to 2026 has now been published. Around 100 people die every day in Nepal because of air pollution. Legal provisions should be made in order for people to manage solid wastes properly. Air pollution is also the main environmental risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cancers and lung diseases, concludes a recent report by the NCD Alliance and the Forum of International Respiratory Scientists: The challenge is great, but the cure is straight-forward it must be met by national, regional, local and personal responses. Environmental pollution is one of the greatest threats of the world today. Kathmandu Valley has seen a rapid increase in vehicle numbers in the last 15 years. The study sounds the alarm that the growing global problem, which scientists are only beginning to understand, requires urgent and immediate action. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. I dont remember this level of pollution in Kathmandu in the past, Khadka told Reuters. Hourly AQI data showed Simara's air quality as very hazardous at 8:00 am. The rapid use of fossil fuels, increase in deforestation, unstable use of natural resources, overuse of pesticides and other chemicals, sewage and wastewater, nuclear waste, industrialization, urbanization, use of plastics and a lot more factors contribute to environmental pollution. The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has also colour coded various AQI levels at Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, and Maroon. Site By: Hiti Design, The first step in reducing air pollution is to let, Nepali scientist returns to pinpoint hazards of dirty air, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IudF3qNM-xE&feature=youtu.benobha Gurung could have had a distinguished international career in, Sonia Awale s winter sets in and air quality deteriorates,. Thenumberofvehiclesin the valley during the last two decades has increasedninefold,and reached 922,900 in total during 2015, according to the Department of Transport Management inNepal. Air pollution is a chronic problem in . The measurement between 201 and 300 is said to be very unhealthy (purple) and states 'health warnings of emergency conditions'. Globally, air pollution results in around seven million deaths annually. Air pollution on the Nepali side is mostly locally generated.. Fewer, though still substantial minorities ranging between 40% and 45% . In Nepal and Kathmandu the annual premature death due to air pollution hit37,399 and 9943 respectively,according to aRepublica news report published on 23 November 2019. Environmental Health issues are a not major risk factors for the Global Burden of Diseases. Despite the fact that most people in our country are breathing the air with such perilous level pollution, we still lack the vigour to act responsibly against the situation. If there is any health advisory from the government, our family will stop going on regular morning walks, said Sunil. - . This level is considered hazardous, and can lead to serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly, [along with] serious risk of respiratory effects in general population, according to the United States Environment Protection Agency. At a time when KathmandusAQI was hitting record highs on Tuesday morningwith 438, the New Delhi suburb of Noida recorded less than 151 (AQI World map, below). Nepal is a landlocked nation with the current population of over 27 million people. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Of six environmental problems facing the U.S., Americans remain most worried about those that affect water quality. But public outrage does not seem to translate into action to clean up the air. "And it wasn't just the . The report highlights dire consequences for health, the economy, biodiversity and the climate. In Nepal and Kathmandu the annual premature death due to air pollution hit 37,399 and 9943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019. A general view of a street during a smoggy day as the government has orderedschoolsto close for four days after the air pollution climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country, in Kathmandu, Nepal March 30, 2021. Air quality in the capital has deteriorated recently but average pollution readings were not available. The 3rd leading cause of death in low and middle-income countries is COPD, 5th leading cause is Lower Respiratory Infections and seventh is Diarrheal diseases. 1. These two are just representative examples of millions of people who are directly or indirectly affected by dust, a burning issue of the twenty first century. New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) provide clear evidence of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health, at even lower concentrations than previously understood. Fri 3 Mar 2023 06.19 EST. One of the cheapest energy sources. The index stood at 214 as per DoE's data. Therefore, it is advised that everyone should avoid all outdoor exertions. Thepolluter pays' principlewas introduced in1972 in order to address this issue. This indicates, around a quarterof the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. The statement declared that the level of pollution in the valley is increasingly -- especially in the mornings and the evenings -- creating negative implications on people's health. But it shall be helpful only if it is implemented. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity. But public health specialists discount their efficacy and stress that the best solution is to reduce air pollution at sources. Q : Which country has the highest number of time zones. "This also adds to the risk of COVID-19," said Sher Bahadur Pun, a doctor at a tropical and infectious disease hospital in the capital. The size of dust particles are larger compared to biomass burning or vehicular emissions. This company thinks bacteria can help fix fashion's water pollution problem. This also adds to the risk of COVID-19, said Sher Bahadur Pun, a doctor at a tropical and infectious disease hospital in the capital. As people fear another wave of Covid-19 a year after the government first imposed restrictions in the country, another health concern related to respiratory illnesses caused by toxins in the environment has come to the fore. Ever since the lockdown started in Nepal, there has been a little more positive change in the environment since the vehicles are barely on the road and people dont travel much. Of course, a masks effectiveness depends on how well it fits on the face, but a simple, disposable surgical mask can be more cost-effective than those fancy looking expensive ones. Air pollution has been a major problem of 21st century for both developed and developing world. newspaper article on environmental pollution in nepal Posted by July 3, 2022 morenci area schools staff on newspaper article on environmental pollution in nepal Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tags: environment, pollution, Philippines Coronavirus Bulletin Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Spain. Barun Poudel, a senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecasting Division, says that the chances of pollution travelling as far north as Kathmandu from Indian cities are slim, but that Nepali cities bordering India have already seen some impacts. , Change the direct speech to indirect speech; She said, "I am going to London today". Under the US Clean Water Act, the EPA regulates wastewater discharge from meat and poultry plants into . Strong laws related to environment should be made and implemented. Nepal's Environment Protection Rules 2020 (2077) lists projects that need IEEs under Schedule 2, and those that need EIAs under Schedule 3. The governments standard level is 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Kakhara Madhyam Pvt. The entire population is more likely to be affected. More than 65% of all deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) in 2019 were linked to air pollution in Nepal. Ironically, World No Tobacco Day falls on 31 May, just four days ahead of Environment Day. This is also indicated in maroon. Photo: Skanda Gautam/THT, A screenshot showing Air Quality Index (AQI) for various cities as measured at 8 am on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Since PM2.5 are so small, they are also likely to hang in the air for longer, increasing the chances that they will be inhaled. In Press, Journal Pre-proof, Available online 25 February 2023. The rapid use of fossil fuels, increase in deforestation, unstable use of natural resources, overuse of pesticides and other chemicals, sewage and wastewater, nuclear waste, industrialization, urbanization, use of plastics and a lot more factors contribute to environmental pollution. By Sophie Wodzak,Emily Cochrane and Lisa Friedman. It said that air pollution is dependent on weather system, and due to this fact, the pollution may last for some time or may worsen further with the passing of time. Your email address will not be published. All of these vehicles degrade the air quality byemitting huge quantitiesof smoke into the ambient environment. Whilstthis shows an improvement over the course of one year, when observing datataken from the capital city . In Nepal, a Cabinet decision last year adopted the Department of Environments guidelines for air pollution to declare a health emergency if AQI exceeded 300 meaning the government can ban open burning, close factories, and take measures to reduce vehicles on the roads. Your email address will not be published. Advertisement As we see the readings from air quality metres located in various stations of the country, we find that Simara has the poorest air quality. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. Why this advert is dangerous to people and nature and shows advertising needs new controls. Air pollution is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes., Solution to pollution, Pallavi Pant and Anobha Gurung. Our aim is to educate and inform as many people as possible about the wonders of nature, the crisis we face and the best solutions and methods in managing that crisis. Espaol. Even before Covid-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned that poor, in northern India and the Tarai was already the. Sign up for our WEEKLY newsletters - and never miss out on the amazing news and comment articles we publish. Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife. The major reason for high ambient air pollution in Nepal is largely from traffic related with old . However, the vast portion of pollution is generated locally. However, the record-breaking pollution this winter will add to the risk of the coronavirus. Q Taking action to tackle the pollution in Nepal