Air Pollution in Kathmandu Valley (A Threat to Environmental Sustainability and Human Health)

Abstract

Air pollution problems are increasing in the Kathmandu valley with high levels of particulatematter, currently posing the greatest threat to environmental sustainability and humanhealth. The sources of this air pollution are varied andmainly include vehicular exhaust,industrial emissions and refuse burning. The valley’s topography also encourages theformation of temperature inversions, especially in winter months, which allow air pollutants tobuild up to high levels. For these reasons,Kathmandu valley is classifiedas a High AirPollution Potential Zone. Most of Nepal’s economic and business activities are centered inthe valley which is becoming environmentally stressed due to the high population pressure,unmanaged industrial establishments and the increasing number of vehicles. Rapidurbanization, industrialization, poorly maintained vehicles and a lack of public awareness arecontributing to deterioration in ambient air quality in Kathmandu valley. At the same time, airquality management in Nepal is somewhat limited. This is due to the lack of coordinationamongst the various agencies responsible and the lack of a coherent legislative or policyframework. As such, the present study attempts to discover the relationship between air pollution,environmental sustainability and human health. This study also analyzes the steps taken bydifferent agencies dealing with air pollution for management of ambient air quality ofKathmandu valley. The respondents are interviewed in six different spots where the PM monitoring stations are located. Perceptions of respondents towards air pollution areobtained using questionnaire method. The present status of air pollution is shown throughdifferent case studies, literature review and field survey. Recent photographs of study areaare mirrors which reflect the actual situation. For fulfilling the objectives of the study, air quality data of one year (May 2005 to April 2006)are analyzed which was obtained from MOPE. Moreover, this study focuses only on PM data. This is followed by analyzing hospital records of different major hospitals in Kathmanduvalley, especially COPD records, to find the trend in the number of patients visiting thehospitals with air pollution related diseases. The increasing numbers of vehicles in suchnarrow streets of Kathmandu valley, reasons behind unplanned urbanization in valley etc arealso analyzed. Additionally, vehicular emission test results showed the increasing faultyvehicles that run on streets of Kathmandu are about 30percent. The PM level in Kathmandu is much higher than the NAAQS and other internationalstandards. Among the six areas being monitored, Putalisadak is the most polluted. The levelof PM 10 10 in Kathmandu’s air is extremely high, especially in the dry winter months. Vehiclesare the main sources of air pollution. 25percent of the vehicles in Kathmandu are emittingmore emission than the prescribed standards. One of the main sources of fine particles isdiesel exhaust. As the level of fine particles is very high in Kathmandu, the associated healthimpacts are also expected to be high. Air pollution in Kathmandu valley is having a majorimpact on the health of the residents and the economy as a whole. Analysis of records from

Patan hospital, TUTH and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu indicate that the number ofCOPDpatients admitted to the hospitals shows an increasing trend over the past years.Hospital records also show that the number of COPD patients is highest in the winter monthswhen the air pollution in Kathmandu is also at its peak. Cost of pollution is very high andreducing vehicle emission is the most effective way of reducing this huge economic burden. Electric vehicles can be a good replacement for the diesel (as well as petrol and LPG)vehicles in Kathmandu. Diesel vehicles should be avoided to the extent possible. As thenumber of vehicles in Kathmandu is rising at an alarming rate, the government shouldpromote efficient and clean public transportation to control vehicle numbers. Improvement isneeded in the vehicle inspection and maintenance system. Alternative energy sources,which are more efficient, less polluting, and cost effectiveness should be promoted. Thereshould be use of non-motorized vehicles. Public awareness campaigns are required toinform the people about the hazards of air pollution and what they can do to avoid andminimize air pollution.