Nepal on high alert amid hazardous air pollution

Kathmandu

Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population has issued an urgent health advisory as air pollution reaches hazardous levels across the country, placing the population at serious risk. On Friday, Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 348—well into the “hazardous” category—prompting warnings and emergency measures.

Ministry spokesperson Prakash Budhathoki urged citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory issues, to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Mask-wearing and avoiding polluted areas have also been strongly recommended.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) blamed the pollution surge on forest fires, road construction, industrial emissions, and the seasonal temperature rise. These factors have formed a thick pollution blanket over the Kathmandu Valley, trapping harmful particulate matter in the air.

Health experts warn that fine particles like PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing asthma, infections, low oxygen levels, and even long-term conditions like cancer or organ failure. Pregnant women are especially at risk, as toxins can harm fetal development.

Pollution levels are most intense during morning and evening hours when cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground. This seasonal "blanket effect" exacerbates an already critical situation.

Nepal currently ranks among the most polluted countries globally. The health ministry reports 42,000 pollution-related deaths annually, including a staggering 19% among children under five. Overall, air pollution has reduced the country’s life expectancy by 4.1%.

Authorities are calling on industries, construction firms, and citizens to minimize emissions, manage waste properly, and combat forest fires actively. The public has been urged to limit outdoor activity and prioritize health safety as Nepal grapples with this growing environmental health crisis.