Government Urged to Declare Environmental Emergency as Kathmandu Air Pollution Worsens

The air quality in the Kathmandu Valley currently stands at a hazardous level, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 348. Environmental experts have called on the government to declare a health emergency and increase public awareness. The sources of the pollution include delayed rainfall, wildfires, dusty roads, construction, and the burning of agricultural residues. Safety measures include banning old vehicles, an odd-even system, and not burning crop residue, experts said. Air pollution is likely to continue until mid-June, the Ministry of Health said, adding that vulnerable groups should be cautious. According to the Department of Environment, wildfires have also become more common, with 253 reported as of March 2025.