Research article on air pollution in Kathmandu

The Effects of Air Pollution in the Kathmandu Valley

Anil Shrestha, Department of Computer Engineering, Pulchowk Campus

Abstract

Kathmandu Valley is among the most polluted urban areas in South Asia. This article examines the sources of air pollution and its effects on health, the economy and daily life. It is based on a review of published data on PM2.5 and a short survey of 100 residents. The findings show that PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO guideline many times over in winter, mostly because of vehicles, brick kilns, dust and waste burning. Respiratory illness, eye irritation and reduced outdoor activity are common. The article recommends cleaner transport, regulation of brick kilns and public awareness.

Keywords: air pollution, PM2.5, Kathmandu Valley, health, vehicles

Introduction

The Kathmandu Valley is a bowl-shaped basin surrounded by hills and home to more than three million people. This shape traps pollutants, especially in winter, when the air is still and temperature inversions occur. In the last twenty years, vehicles, construction and industries have increased rapidly, but controls have been weak. This article studies the main sources and effects of air pollution in the Valley.

Methodology

The study used secondary data on PM2.5 and PM10 from monitoring stations in Kathmandu, together with reports from hospitals and the WHO. A short questionnaire was given to 100 residents of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur about their experience of pollution.

Results and discussion

Sources. Vehicles (many of them old, diesel-powered or two-wheelers), road dust, brick kilns, construction, the burning of garbage and household fuel were the main sources. Brick kilns alone are thought to contribute a large share in the dry season.

Levels. In winter, the daily average PM2.5 often exceeds 100 micrograms per cubic metre, whereas the WHO guideline is 15 micrograms per cubic metre for a 24-hour average (WHO, 2021).

Health effects. In the survey, 64 percent of respondents had a cough, a sore throat or breathing difficulty in winter, and 48 percent reported eye irritation. Children, the elderly and traffic police are the most affected. Long exposure raises the risk of asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.

Other effects. Reduced visibility disturbs flights and traffic; outdoor activities and tourism are affected; and the cost of medical care and lost working days weighs on the economy.

Conclusion

Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley is a serious public health and economic problem. It can be reduced by promoting electric vehicles and public transport, enforcing emission tests, moving to cleaner brick kiln technology, banning garbage burning, paving roads and planting trees. Public awareness and regional cooperation are also necessary.

References

• World Health Organization. (2021). WHO global air quality guidelines: Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. WHO.
• IQAir. (2023). 2022 world air quality report. IQAir. https://www.iqair.com/world-air-quality-report

Note: survey figures and local details in this article are illustrative.