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. Globally, air pollution results in around seven million deaths annually. 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 To receive the magazine, become a member now. Despite the fact that most people in our country are breathing the air with such perilous level pollution, we still lack the vigour to act responsibly against the situation. Moreover, Kathmandu is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in Asia: according to the airvisual.com, Kathmandu is the seventh most polluted city. Nepal is not far behind with 98% of its people living in such areas. Environmental Issues and pollution in Nepal - Earth's Edge Similarly, the hotel business (khaja ghar) of Ram Karki has also slowed down majorly due to road dust emission. Nepal's schools close as air pollution hits alarming levels For example, an EIA for a major highway would need . But there is a difference between the nature of air pollution in New Delhi and Kathmandu, said Tuladhar. Department of Environment on January 5 had released a statement mentioning about the change in weather condition in the country and increasing level of pollution in Kathmandu valley. In Nepal, around 8,700 people, mainly women and children, die prematurely each year due to illnesses related to indoor air pollution from solid biomass fuel burning [8]. Rapid and haphazard urbanisation in the last few decades has resulted in the degradation of the environment, predominantly in terms of air pollution. In Nepal, a Cabinet decision last year adopted the Department of Environments guidelines for air pollution to declare a health emergency if AQI exceeded 300 meaning the government can ban open burning, close factories, and take measures to reduce vehicles on the roads. 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. All of these vehicles degrade the air quality by emitting huge quantities of smoke into the ambient environment. Factors contributing to this level of pollution are local, said Shankar Prasad Paudel, information officer with the Department of Environment. New Delhis AQI levels, which have been consistently high all winter because of crop residue burning as well as vehicular and industrial pollution, got a respite on Monday because of rainfall. This index is coloured red. once done will text u on pint nd ins, I saw a fantastic film yesterday. But it shall be helpful only if it is implemented. Indeed, a long-term solution requires policy level intervention and coordination between all branches of government. climbed to hazardous levels, forcing millions of students to stay home across the country. The analysis, based on more than 100 recent peer-reviewed studies, detected over 120 unique PFAS compounds in these animals . 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. In this level of air quality, everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to update its water pollution rules for slaughterhouses for the first time in nearly 20 years, the agency . Moreover, Kathmandu is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in Asia:according to the airvisual.com, Kathmandu is the seventh most polluted city. According to the World Air Quality Report, Kathmandu is the seventh most polluted capital city in the world, based on its average yearly PM2.5 level. 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. And even though the nature of pollution in New Delhi and Kathmandu is varied, Nepal needs to learn to deal with its own toxic air. From his home in Kathmandus Chabahil, Basudevs walks take him around Pashupatinath Temple and the Guheshwori area. In Kathmandu, a struggle for water amid worsening floods The average exposure for the officers was 51.2 g/m 3, with an hourly maximum of more than 500 g/m 3. 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. It remained at above 500 from 10PM till 5AM, falling to 480 at 7AM on Tuesday. Looking at the air quality data over the last few years, it appears that Nepal made amarked improvement from 2018 to 2019, with a PM2.5 reading of 54.15 g/m beingrecorded as an average over 2018 as compared to 44.46 g/m in 2019. 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. Groundbreaking map shows toxic 'forever chemicals' in more than 330 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to update its water pollution rules for slaughterhouses for the first time in nearly 20 years, the agency announced on Wednesday, following a lawsuit from environmental groups arguing current standards are too weak, according to Reuters. News from Indian environment including wildlife like tiger, lion, elephants. However, the vast portion of pollution is generated locally. A mask at best is a temporary solution and does not block harmful gases. New Study Finds Ocean Pollution a Threat to Human Health Publisher: Kunda Dixit, Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu But air pollution issues are continue to increase. Such particles will not reach Kathmandu because it is surrounded by hills. Despite public awareness and relentless media coverage, Kathmandus air quality has worsened in the past two years. Whilstthis shows an improvement over the course of one year, when observing datataken from the capital city . Pollution from India unlikely to reach Kathmandu, but Nepal needs to In . PAUL, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Senate voted Thursday to make it harder for thieves to sell stolen catalytic converters, a crime that has skyrocketed across the country in recent years. Air pollution frequently causes osteoporosis, heart attacks, dementia and kidney diseases. Nearly two weeks after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, confusing messages from government officials have frayed locals trust. The paradox of air pollution in the Kathmandu valley There is a proportionately very high consumption of gasoline and diesel in the valley. 21 October 2021 Climate and Environment. 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. The moves reflect residents deep-seated mistrust of government screenings of toxic chemicals and fears of long-term effects from the train derailment. The COP27 sponsor's products were the most commonly found items by volunteers researching plastic pollution. There will be very less production of crops and the economy of the whole country can go downhill by this negative decision made by the government. ? Research on microplastic concentration in aquatic environment is attracting scientists from developing countries, but in Nepal no information regarding microplastic in freshwater system is available. . 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. Copper multifaceted interferences during swine wastewater treatment in high rate algal ponds: Alterations on nutrient removal, biomass composition and resource recovery. Plastic pollution in oceans and other bodies of water continues to grow sharply and could more than double by 2030, according to an assessment released on Thursday by the UN Environment Programme ( UNEP ). New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) provide clear evidence of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health, at even lower concentrations than previously understood. The average global citizen loses 2.2 years of life with today's levels of air pollution and, if nothing changes, that adds up to . Getting prepared now will make that transition smoother. Nepal is a landlocked nation with the current population of over 27 million people. Advertisement Air pollution is a chronic problem in . These are the key points that needs to be followed in order to bring a positive change in the environment. Site By: Hiti Design, The first step in reducing air pollution is to let, Nepali scientist returns to pinpoint hazards of dirty air, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IudF3qNM-xE&feature=youtu.benobha Gurung could have had a distinguished international career in, Sonia Awale s winter sets in and air quality deteriorates,. Hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents, breathing air thick with pollutants unleashed from tombs of rubble, fearful that a new disaster could strike at any moment. New road Kathmandu. AQI is a composite measurement of the concentration . Nepal, especially Kathmandu, in the current situation, is observing rapid urbaniz hit their highest in the capital since the government began keeping records in 2016, government official Shankar Paudel told Reuters. By Sophie Wodzak,Emily Cochrane and Lisa Friedman. Air pollution is slashing years off the lives of billions, report finds Officials at Nepals only international airport in Kathmandu said poor visibility, which was down to 1,000 metres on Monday, widely disrupted flights. Air pollution is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes., Solution to pollution, Pallavi Pant and Anobha Gurung. Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. Air pollution hits alarming levels in Nepal, schools closed 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. Air pollution is also the main environmental risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cancers and lung diseases, concludes a recent report by the NCD Alliance and the Forum of International Respiratory Scientists: The challenge is great, but the cure is straight-forward it must be met by national, regional, local and personal responses. I have started wearing a mask whenever Im outdoors.. Find out more. Under the US Clean Water Act, the EPA regulates wastewater discharge from meat and poultry plants into . Plastic pollution: Effects on environment - The Himalayan Times New disease caused by plastics discovered in seabirds Environment News, Earth News, Global Warming, Wild Life, Carbon Trading Once again, Kathmandu breathes world's most polluted air, AQI hits 303. 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. An article by three Brazilian researchers published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research aims to contribute to progress in this field by proposing a novel perspective on particle . There are dozens of varieties of masks available in the market, along with air purifiers that cost more than Rs130,000. The leaves of plants are covered in dust particles which limits the photosynthesis rate and affects the plants growth and natural beauty. Air pollution has been a major problem of 21st century for both developed and developing world. 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. The strategy guiding the work for The Ecologist for the years 2023 to 2026 has now been published. 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. Air pollution regularly exceeds recommended safe levels. 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. EPA to award $250 million in IRA funds to reduce climate pollution But this winter, the haze barely let us see through it. Q : Which one is the capital of Spain. Spain. 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. Afforestation should begin and deforestation should come to an end. Even before Covid-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned that poorair qualityin northern India and the Tarai was already thereducing average lifespanof tens of millions of people by 3.7 years. International breweries are polluting Nepalese rivers We are mainly responsible for the destructive changes in the environment. The 3rd leading cause of death in low and middle-income countries is COPD, 5th leading cause is Lower Respiratory Infections and seventh is Diarrheal diseases. In 2000 / 2001 there were 24,003 vehicles registered in Kathmandu and this has increased dramatically to 79,822 in 2015 / 2016. The World Health Organisation (WHO)s guidelines state that AQI should be below 35, and the concentration of particles below 2.5 microns should be below 25 g/mover a 24 hour period. Over the weekend, pollution levels hit their highest in the capital since the government began keeping records in 2016, government official Shankar Paudel told Reuters news agency. 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. Located between China and India, two of the worlds biggest polluters, the Himalayan nation is seeing the worst pollution levels since 2016. Over the weekend, pollution levels hit their highest in the capital since the government began keeping records in 2016, government official Shankar Paudel told Reuters. The level between 401 and 500 is very hazardous. If there is any health advisory from the government, our family will stop going on regular morning walks, said Sunil. Vehicular emissions or traffic related particulate matter has serious health effects such as increased respiratory disease, reduced lung function, asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, heart disease etc. Microplastics are man-made pollutants which have been detected in surface water and groundwater. 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. AQI is a composite measurement of the concentration of particulate matter below 10 and 2.5 microns, carbon monoxide, sulphur and nitrogen dioxide and ground ozone. Introduction. "Every year, we witness a surge in air pollution during the winter season. Water Pollution Remains Top Environmental Concern in U.S. - Gallup.com The traffic on the most part seemed to move along without any fuss. Between 301 and 400 (maroon), the air quality is at a hazardous level; it has more severe health implications. Fri 3 Mar 2023 06.19 EST. 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. 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.. Find out about our mission, and our team, here. The major effect of air pollution can be mainly observed in the cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, and Lumbini. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The theme for World Environment Day (5 June) is #BeatAirPollution. Nepal's Environment Protection Rules 2020 (2077) lists projects that need IEEs under Schedule 2, and those that need EIAs under Schedule 3. Mass media have been a critical avenue to reach, communicate, and influence people on the alarming intensity and frequency of environmental problems [1, 2, 3].The world is facing a multitude of environmental problems, ranging from biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, spread of the vector-borne diseases and climate change at varying spatial and temporal scales [4].