Air pollution crisis: health warnings issued in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal – The city is covered in thick haze, and the air quality has become very bad. Experts are worried because the pollution is affecting people’s health and daily life.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached dangerous levels, caused by things like car smoke, factory pollution, and burning crops nearby. Flights have been delayed or canceled because the haze makes it hard to see, and people are finding it difficult to move around.

Health officials are asking people to wear masks and stay indoors, especially children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with health problems like asthma. Hospitals are seeing more patients with breathing issues.

Doctors warn that breathing this dirty air can cause both short-term and long-term health problems. Dr. Achyut Bikram Hamal says everyone, including healthy people, should stay away from polluted areas, wear N95 masks, and avoid outdoor activities. He also explained that bad air can cause illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, skin problems, and heart disease. Over time, it can lead to cancer, kidney disease, and chronic heart problems.

Environmental activists are calling for the government to take action by making stricter rules for pollution and working on long-term solutions. “Kathmandu’s people deserve clean air,” said Sita Aryal, a local activist. “We need to work together to fix this crisis.”

For now, people in the city are struggling with the haze and pollution, hoping for steps to create a healthier future.