Authorities Urge Precautions as Pollution Spikes in Major Cities

The government has urged the public to take precautionary measures as air pollution levels have risen in several parts of the country in recent days due to adverse weather conditions.

Major cities, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, have recorded high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

Issuing a public appeal on Tuesday, the department advised people to wear masks while going outdoors and to ensure regular maintenance and servicing of vehicles to help reduce emissions. It also urged the public not to burn waste and crop residues and to discourage such practices in their communities.

Read: Air Pollution Reducing Average Life Expectancy of Nepalis by 3.4 Years: WB Report

The department further called for vigilance to prevent wildfires and for prompt action to extinguish them if they occur. Likewise, it urged authorities and stakeholders to manage construction activities in a way that minimizes dust and smoke and to strictly enforce environmental standards in the operation of factories and industries.

Director General Gyan Raj Subedi said reducing air pollution is possible only through collective efforts from all concerned stakeholders. He emphasized the need for public cooperation and shared responsibility to address the growing environmental challenge.

According to the department, pollution levels tend to rise during the morning and evening hours. It also said that the prolonged absence of rainfall has contributed to the increasing air pollution.

Hazy conditions likely to improve from Wednesday

Meanwhile, the haze that has blanketed most parts of the country over the past few days is expected to gradually clear from Wednesday.

Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari said the weather is likely to improve further on Wednesday compared to Tuesday.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division said the haze developed due to the influence of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere. The system is expected to weaken gradually, leading to clearer conditions.

Currently, the country is experiencing the partial influence of westerly winds, along with a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere and a low-pressure area near the eastern region, according to the division.

Light rainfall occurred in some places on Tuesday, the division added. -- RSS