Air pollution has emerged as the leading health hazard in Nepal, with the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region identified as the most affected areas. According to a recent World Bank report, air pollution has reduced the average life expectancy of Nepali citizens by 3.4 years and is responsible for approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually.
The report, titled ‘Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions,’ serves as a comprehensive assessment of air pollution in the country and the broader Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills airshed. It highlights that toxic air is deadlier than tobacco use and high blood pressure, which reduce life expectancy by 2.8 years and 1.7 years, respectively. The reduction in life expectancy varies across regions, with the Terai region experiencing a loss of 6.5 years and Kathmandu residents losing 3.5 years. The primary sources of air pollution in Nepal include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, household cooking, forest fires, and transboundary pollution from neighboring countries. The Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region have not witnessed significant improvement over the past decade, exacerbating the public health crisis.
The economic cost of poor air quality is estimated to exceed six percent of Nepal’s GDP each year. Air pollution affects labor productivity due to increased health-related absences and impaired cognition. The negative impact on the tourism industry and the aviation sector is also significant. In response to this growing crisis, the Nepalese government is committed to cleaning the air by setting stricter industrial emission standards and promoting electric transport. The World Bank is dedicated to supporting Nepal’s efforts by providing financial and technical assistance and capacity-building support.
The report suggests that the multi-sectoral and multi-regional nature of air pollution requires action on many fronts, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, household cooking, forest fires, and transboundary pollution. Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today. As Nepal continues to grapple with the challenges posed by air pollution, it is imperative for the government, industries, and citizens to collaborate in implementing sustainable solutions to safeguard public health and the environment.
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