Air pollution frequently causes osteoporosis, heart attacks, dementia and kidney diseases. Dealing with a problem that is transboundary in nature requires strong regional cooperation, she said. At this level of air quality, it is better that active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. 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. This is a very great decision taken by the government. 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. Change to compound, We took a tour of the most amazing Chateau during our holiday, which we discovered . by accident.a. Ever since the lockdown started in Nepal, there has been a . Many scientists and environmental specialists all over the world have studied the harmful effect of plastic in detail and all of them are of the same view regarding the degree of harm they represent. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. In addition, vehicles passing over broken or traveled road release huge amounts of dust particles into the air, worsening air pollution further. Microplastics are man-made pollutants which have been detected in surface water and groundwater. A paper published in the December 2000 volume of the International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences on pollution in the Narayani placed the blame squarely on the Gorkha Brewery (and a paper mill that has since closed down) for much of the pollution in Nepal's third-largest river. Photo Courtesy: Department of Environment/Air Quality Montoring, President candidate Poudel reaches RSP office seeking votes, US, Russia hold highest-level talks since Ukraine invasion, Scathing report on Nepal's security controls, In Pictures: Air Pollution continues its grip over Kathmandu Valley, China acknowledges Sino-Indian brawl at Galwan Valley from last year for the first time, Covid vaccination drive in Nepal could be affected with Indian govt halting AstraZeneca export. 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 . Nearly two weeks after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, confusing messages from government officials have frayed locals trust. It is a call to mobilize, say the authors who . The country of 30 . For example, an EIA for a major highway would need . Kathmandu valley requireshalf of the total gasoline consumed in Nepal. Q : Which one is the capital of Spain. 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. 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. 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. The government slashed taxes on electric vehicles, butmuch of the supporting infrastructure required, likecharging facilities, uninterrupted electric supply and adequate parking lots, has not even been planned. 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. Other global AQI measurement sites like. Thanks for contacting us. Thereportsays that 100% of the population in India lives in areas where PM2.5 levels are higher than the WHO Air Quality Guideline. 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 are cloth masks and surgical ones, some are disposable but many use replaceable filters. The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has also colour coded various AQI levels at Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, and Maroon. However, two years later, the action plan has neither been finalised nor enforced. The high mountains around the Kathmandu valley allows air pollution to accumulate in the city. The birds identified as having the disease, named . Controlling tobacco in Nepal is already such a big challenge, butKathmandus degrading air quality has doubled the disease burden, says health activist Shanta Lall Mulmi. News from Indian environment including wildlife like tiger, lion, elephants. 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. 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. Some air pollution is not seen, but its pungent smell alerts you. The average exposure for the officers was 51.2 g/m 3, with an hourly maximum of more than 500 g/m 3. 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. Only a year ago, snow clad mountains shone brightly in the winter and we could see the mountains and hills clearly. Spain. In recent time it has been seen that the pollution is increasing day by day. Rapid and haphazard urbanisation in the last few decades has resulted in the degradation of the environment, predominantly in terms of air pollution. Kathmandu Valley has seen a rapid increase in vehicle numbers in the last 15 years. The haze has become a part of our environment, impeding our view and lowering our visibility. The major effect of air pollution can be mainly observed in the cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, and Lumbini. Also, news . There has also been a 25% increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. 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. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN NEPAL Prof. Dr. Meen B. Poudyal Chhetri a and Anil Shakyab a Disaster Preparedness Network, Kathmandu, Nepal b Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Government of Nepal ABSTRACT Environmental degradation is a very big problem in Nepal which is causing human health Espaol. 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. 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. Similarly, the hotel business (khaja ghar) of Ram Karki has also slowed down majorly due to road dust emission. 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. 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. In addition, vehicles passing over broken or traveled roadrelease huge amounts of dust particles into the air, worsening air pollution further. climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. 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 the. The garbage should be properly disposed and managed. "Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. 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. It may bring various adverse impact to the environment. Write a newspaper article on environmental pollution in Nepal to be published in a newspaper. Air pollution regularly exceeds recommended safe levels. Yours sincerely, Rajesh. Therefore, this study investigates the presence and abundance of microplastic in lake surface water . 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. In terms of air pollution, the 2016 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranked Nepal 177th out of 180 countries. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently concluded that surgical masks blocked 80% of particles sized 0.007 microns. Department of Information Registration No. Similarly, one-fifth of the total diesel is used in Kathmandu. It is a major threat to global health and prosperity. Krishna Kumar, a local business person at Kirtipur explained: Many businesses have gone down due to high amount of road dust. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. Therefore, it is advised that everyone should avoid all outdoor exertions. Education ministry spokesman Deepak Sharma said about eight million students have been affected by the closures. Air pollution on the Nepali side is mostly locally generated.. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Of six environmental problems facing the U.S., Americans remain most worried about those that affect water quality. Air pollution is even more dangerous than previously thought, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned . The traffic on the most part seemed to move along without any fuss. 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. Sonia Awale May 31, 2019. Similarly, the hotel business (khaja ghar) of Ram Karki has also slowed down majorly due to road dust emission. That said, old diesel vehicles are contributing significantly to the poor air quality in the city. At times, it feels like my eyes are burning, said 34-year-old Sunil. That compares with the governments standard level of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. The effect of dust is not limited to human beings, but is also felt by plants, particularly to those closer to the road. On hand was Marcia Bernicat of the US Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs. How to clean up Kathmandus air, Anil Chitrakar, Poisoning the air we breathe, Sonia Awale. The Geyh-Bouwer Trainee Practice Award recognizes students whose application of science demonstrates the betterment of the environment and/or public health. Nepal isn't short of water, thanks to the monsoon rains and the rivers that bring meltwater down from the Himalayan glaciers and snowpack. Department of Information Registration No. In Nepal, 35,000 people die annually due to illnesses caused by polluted air. Bhushan Tuladhar, an environmentalist who closely watches levels of air pollution in the country, agrees that there is a minimal chance of pollution from Delhi and northern India reaching Kathmandu, although cities in the Tarai are already dealing with poor air quality coming from across the border. New Delhi has seen a sudden spike whereas Kathmandu witnesses a gradual increase in pollution level starting from November and reaching peak levels in January.. Air quality in the capital has deteriorated recently but average pollution readings were not available. Fewer, though still substantial minorities ranging between 40% and 45% . Thepolluter pays' principlewas introduced in1972 in order to address this issue. 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. Double whammy: air pollution and Covid-19, Photo: MONIKA DEUPALA n the past eight months of this, ir quality across Nepal has been deteriorating over the years., The first step in reducing air pollution is to let. There is a proportionately very high consumption of gasoline and diesel in the valley. Submissions The smoke generated from the wildfires worsened the pollution, according to an officer at the Division. (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. AQI is a composite measurement of the concentration . People must stay safe indoors and not come out except for emergencies, the health ministry said. Whilstthis shows an improvement over the course of one year, when observing datataken from the capital city . Green sticker = green light to pollute, Sonam Choekyi Lama. The latest edition of Resurgence & Ecologist is out now, and available to buy. Legal provisions should be made in order for people to manage solid wastes properly. But it shall be helpful only if it is implemented. One of the cheapest energy sources. But air pollution issues are continue to increase. Collective action from many sectors is needed to assure that everyone can breathe clean air.. And with reports of Indias north and its capital New Delhi struggling with extreme air pollution, Sunil wonders how much worse the air will get this winter. Besides the quantity of fuel consumption, the poor road condition of older vehicles is triggering air quality problems in the valley. I dont remember this level of pollution in Kathmandu in the past, Khadka told Reuters. 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. This may collapse the whole ecosystem in general. PM2.5 levels of 403.72 g/m3 were recorded at 7pm on November 4 in Nepalgunj, the highest for the country in the past week. The leaves of plants are covered in dust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. Your email address will not be published. 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. This is a grave threat to public health, the government should have declared an emergency and taken urgent measures to curb pollution, says environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar. The victims of air pollution urgently require an appropriate action plan . The CPV power plant operates in Woodbridge N.J. on Feb. 27, 2023. 18/11/2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports fine particulate matter of up to 140 g m-3 - which is around ten times higher than the WHO limit. , Change the direct speech to indirect speech; She said, "I am going to London today". Similarly, a University of Massachusetts study found that the good old surgical mask blocked 60% of 0.03 micron particles, and over 90% of 1 micron and 2.5 micron particles. This trend is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that urban population will reach 60 million by 2040 [ 32 ]. Globally, air pollution results in around seven million deaths annually. Their effectiveness also varies depending on the work place, environment and fitting. 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 (. But the Narayani's problems go back further. 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. In 2017, solar electricity costs dropped from $0.28 to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour for utility-scale photovoltaic solar power. 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. Around 100 people die every day in Nepal because of air pollution. Donate to The Ecologist and support high impact environmental journalism and analysis. We've received your submission. Nepal is not far behind with 98% of its people living in such areas. The funds are the first . The leaves of plants are covered indust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. 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. These are the key points that needs to be followed in order to bring a positive change in the environment. 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. But public health specialists discount their efficacy and stress that the best solution is to reduce air pollution at sources. Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. This is also indicated in maroon.