It has a negative impact on various environmental aspects which directly or indirectly affect the quality of human health. 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. Despite public awareness and relentless media coverage, Kathmandus air quality has worsened in the past two years. Write a newspaper article on environmental pollution in Nepal to be published in a newspaper. Air pollution frequently causes osteoporosis, heart attacks, dementia and kidney diseases. Officials at Nepal's only international airport in Kathmandu said poor visibility, which was down to 1,000 metres on Monday, widely disrupted flights. editors@nepalitimes.com | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005602 Yours sincerely, Rajesh. Air pollution has had a massive impact on Nepalese people. I would be very thankful to you if you publish my article on your esteemed daily.Hope the government will take immediate action on this matter. 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 . However, two years later, the action plan has neither been finalised nor enforced. 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. 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. hit their highest in the capital since the government began keeping records in 2016, government official Shankar Paudel told Reuters. There are cloth masks and surgical ones, some are disposable but many use replaceable filters. Prices range from Rs10 to Rs10,500. Apex court orders acceptance of writ against PM, dubbed one of the most polluted cities in the world, air pollution levels reaching nearly 10 times healthy limits, 22 of the worlds most polluted cities in 2018, ranked Nepal the eighth most polluted country, PM2.5 level for Kathmandu in 2018 was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3, deteriorating quality of air in Kathmandu Valley, Overextraction and shrinking open spaces cause groundwater depletion in Kathmandu Valley, As season of forest fires starts, authorities alert public to risks, History and politics of Nepals school education, Insurgency-era victims of sexual crimes still unheard. Taking action to tackle the pollution in Nepal A road-widening spree, earthquake destruction and delays in fixing streets dug up to replace water mains has turned the Valley into a dust bowl. Even before Covid-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned that poorair qualityin northern India and the Tarai was already thereducing average lifespanof tens of millions of people by 3.7 years. Thefts of the pollution control devices from cars and trucks more than quadrupled from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020, and jumped dramatically again in 2021 . 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. ? Air pollution on the Nepali side is mostly locally generated.. The number of vehicles in the valley during the last two decades has increased ninefold, and reached 922,900 in total during 2015, according to the Department of Transport Management in Nepal. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a population of around 3.5 million. We can develop our own action plan to combat air pollution and also introduce other measures like enforcing green stickers for vehicles, among many others.. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Human error eyed as cause of Yeti Airlines crash that killed 72 people, 2 Americans, 2 permanent US residents among 72 dead in Nepal plane crash, Father of flight attendant urged her not to work before Nepal crash left 70 dead, Nepal to send data recorder from crash to France. People must stay safe indoors and not come out except for emergencies, the health ministry said. Basudev Paudel is in his late fifties and at his age, he believes that regular morning walks are important for keeping healthy. Find out about our mission, and our team, here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanking you. At a time when Kathmandus, AQI was hitting record highs on Tuesday morning, with 438, the New Delhi suburb of Noida recorded less than 151 (. The moves sets the stage for the agency to issue tighter controls on mercury, a neurotoxin emitted by power plants. Strong laws related to environment should be made and implemented. Environmental Health issues are a not major risk factors for the Global Burden of Diseases. 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. 1. The country of 30 million people lies in the Himalayas between China and India, two of the worlds biggest polluters. 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 government has declared a public health emergency, asking schools to shut down and residents to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening. Find out more. In 2013, a team of Cambridge University scientists were in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, developing a device to measure . PM2.5, or Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns thick, are among the most dangerous of air particles as they can get past the nose and throat to enter the lungs and even the bloodstream. But poor air quality from as far as New Delhi cannot penetrate deep into Nepal.. The World Air Quality Project's index stood at 515 at that time while that of the Department of Environment (DoE) stood at 490. Donate to The Ecologist and support high impact environmental journalism and analysis. China will be the host nation and will showcase its dramatic progress in cutting pollution. 2426/077-78 Or, download a free sample copy of a past issue of Resurgence & Ecologist. Says Pallavi Pant, air quality scientist at the Health Effects Institute: Exposures to air pollution have been shown to affect the human bodys immune defence, making an individual more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia., Editor Online: Sahina Shrestha | Executive Editor: Sonia Awale Microplastics are man-made pollutants which have been detected in surface water and groundwater. More than 65% of all deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) in 2019 were linked to air pollution in Nepal. The EPI recently found Nepal to have the worst air pollution in the world. This is a very unpleasant decision. Thanks for contacting us. In addition, vehicles passing over broken or traveled roadrelease huge amounts of dust particles into the air, worsening air pollution further. Spain. Fri 3 Mar 2023 06.19 EST. It remained at above 500 from 10PM till 5AM, falling to 480 at 7AM on Tuesday. 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. But public outrage does not seem to translate into action to clean up the air. 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. A recent study by scientists from Peking University (China) and the University of Connecticut (USA) [1] has revealed that 1 in 15 lost pregnancies in South Asia may be due to air . Download the latest essay from our Megamorphosis series now. That compares with the governments standard level of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. 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. The strategy guiding the work for The Ecologist for the years 2023 to 2026 has now been published. AQI levels in north India and Nepal on 5 January at 8AM showing Kathmandu's much higher pollution levels compared to New Delhi. I have started wearing a mask whenever Im outdoors.. Atmospheric greenhouse gases reach record high, latest essay from our Megamorphosis series now. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a population of around3.5 million. 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. 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). 2022: Emergency mode for the environment. D espite public awareness and relentless media coverage, Kathmandu's air quality has worsened in the past two years. , , , , . 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. However, the record-breaking pollution this winter will add to the risk of the coronavirus. 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. New road Kathmandu. The leaves of plants are covered in dust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. 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. Additionally, problems like littering and excessive carbon emissions are causing problems for both people and the environment. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently concluded that surgical masks blocked 80% of particles sized 0.007 microns. , : Which country has the most number of lakes. We can classify pollution in many categories such as soil pollution, air pollution, water pollution, and noise . As women play a significant role in the management and use of energy sources for household cooking, they are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution [7]. Because indoor air pollution levels are also high, ideally you would have to wear a mask 24 hours a day, says Pangeni. Air pollution is a silent killer and while it is difficult to quantify its heath impact, hospitalisation due to serious respiratory diseases has increased sharply in recent years, says chest specialist Raju Pangeni at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. Kathmandu valley requireshalf of the total gasoline consumed in Nepal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The theme for World Environment Day (5 June) is #BeatAirPollution. Department of Information Registration No. A Love Beyond Measure: The Unforgettable Reunion, , . Q : Emu bird is found in the country. In 2000 / 2001 there were 24,003 vehicles registered in Kathmandu and this has increased dramatically to 79,822 in 2015 / 2016. A breakdown of whats known, and whats not, about the incident and its aftermath. The major effect of air pollution can be mainly observed in the cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, and Lumbini. That said, old diesel vehicles are contributing significantly to the poor air quality in the city. The smoke generated from the wildfires worsened the pollution, according to an officer at the Division. Phil Murphy but which has yet to take full effect should prevent the . The measurement between 201 and 300 is said to be very unhealthy (purple) and states 'health warnings of emergency conditions'. To receive the magazine, become a member now. 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. Their effectiveness also varies depending on the work place, environment and fitting. The victims of air pollution urgently require an appropriate action plan . The haze has become a part of our environment, impeding our view and lowering our visibility. News about Air Pollution, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times. Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. Yet, 2022 could prove to be a seminal year for the environment, with . The environment has been in a better condition. Between 301 and 400 (maroon), the air quality is at a hazardous level; it has more severe health implications. Factors contributing to this level of pollution are local, said Shankar Prasad Paudel, information officer with the Department of Environment. Therefore, it is advised that everyone should avoid all outdoor exertions. 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. Over the weekend, pollution levels hit their highest in the capital since the government began keeping records in 2016, government official Shankar Paudel told Reuters. The US government held a meeting in Kathmandu this month of its embassy staff specialising in air pollution based in 30 Asian countries. Photo Courtesy: Department of Environment/Air Quality Montoring, A screenshot showing Air Quality Index (AQI) for various cities as measured at 9 am on Thursday, March 25, 2021. 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. We could barely see the birds flying around before but nowadays we can see the birds chirping and flying up in the sky due to decrease in air pollution. The high mountains around the Kathmandu valley allows air pollution to accumulate in the city. The country of 30 . 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 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause many of the health conditions associated with increased vulnerability to Covid-19, such as diabetes and chronic heart and lung diseases, said theState of Global Air 2020released last October. 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. Submissions ? This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. 18/11/2022. 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. Whilstthis shows an improvement over the course of one year, when observing datataken from the capital city . Air pollution has been a major problem of 21st century for both developed and developing world. "Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. The COP27 sponsor's products were the most commonly found items by volunteers researching plastic pollution. Three members of the Paudel family followed suit, but they never gave much thought to the quality of the air they were breathing in. Kakhara Madhyam Pvt. The report highlights dire consequences for health, the economy, biodiversity and the climate. Similarly, one-fifth of the total diesel is used inKathmandu. The major reason for high ambient air pollution in Nepal is largely from traffic related with old . The victims of air pollution urgently require an appropriate action plan for mitigating these problems. No: 289512/78/079 VAT No: 610271654 Editor Ashok Silwal Email nepalnamcha@gmail.com, Copyright 2023, , All Rights Reserved | Designed with. There is now growing fear that the toxic air of India, which had 22 of the worlds most polluted cities in 2018, will reach Nepal and cause a similar health panic, especially as the country itself has been struggling to check its air pollution levels. Anupamaas Nidhi Shahs off-screen glam looks, Top 10 T'wood actresses of the 80s and 90s, Shraddha Das rocks the thigh-high slit trend, Live: PM addresses post-budget webinar on Green Growth, Oscars to have Crisis Team after Will Smith slapgate, Adani's older brother plays key role at embattled dynasty, Terms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy. This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Air pollution is a chronic problem in the rapidly growing capital city of Kathmandu and an additional headache for the government that is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. In countries such as China, India and Nepal, air quality may have slightly improved in recent years, but the health risks due to PM2.5 haven't changed much, he said. Nepal is not far behind with 98% of its people living in such areas. AQI level between 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and anything above 301 is regarded as Hazardous. 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. 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. There will be very less production of crops and the economy of the whole country can go downhill by this negative decision made by the government. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service, : Nepal has ordered schools to close for four days after. Ltd. Mhepi-16, Kathmandu, Nepal Company Reg. This is a very great decision taken by the government. But public outrage does not seem to translate into action to clean up the air. With neighbouring India and China committed to manufacturing only electric automobiles by 2030, Nepal will be forced to go electric. Rapid and haphazard urbanisation in the last few decades has resulted in the degradation of the environment, predominantly in terms of air pollution. Only a year ago, snow clad mountains shone brightly in the winter and we could see the mountains and hills clearly. In recent time it has been seen that the pollution is increasing day by day. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to update its water pollution rules for slaughterhouses for the first time in nearly 20 years, the agency announced on Wednesday, following a lawsuit from environmental groups arguing current standards are too weak, according to Reuters. The 24-hour average level of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that can reach deep . There is a proportionately very high consumption of gasoline and diesel inthe valley. In . Introduction. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. On hand was Marcia Bernicat of the US Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs. 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. The environment of the industrial areas should be properly managed by the industries and concerned agencies. systema Smog has blanketed huge swaths of Nepal as air pollution in the Himalayan country soared to hazardous levels. 2426/077-78 This indicates, around a quarterof the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. In terms of air pollution, the 2016 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)ranked Nepal 177thout of 180 countries. Plastic overconsumption and mismanagement of plastic waste is a growing menace, causing landfills to overflow, choking rivers, and threatening marine ecosystems. , Change the direct speech to indirect speech; She said, "I am going to London today". The air in Kathmandu, already dubbed one of the most polluted cities in the world, gets worse once the winter sets in. Every year, 35,000 people in Nepal die from illnesses related to air contaminants. Dust from construction works, exhaust from old, poorly maintained vehicles and smoke from coal-burning brick kilns blend in a murky haze that hangs over the ancient city of four million people, raising the risk of cancer, stroke, asthma and high blood pressure, experts say.
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