Making Kathmandu cleaner, greener, healthier

Have you ever stopped to wonder why our city seems perpetually shrouded in pollution and mired in chaos? Kathmandu now ranks as the seventh most polluted city in the world. The air we breathe has become increasingly unhealthy, but what alternatives do we have? Unfortunately, there are very few. We’re forced to inhale harmful pollutants with every breath, trapped in a cycle of environmental degradation.

Dust permeates every corner, with masks now a ubiquitous sight reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic. The beautiful city of Kathmandu has turned into a dusty, polluted landscape where even breathing is a struggle. Is this the fate we’ve resigned ourselves to? What’s behind this alarming deterioration?

Our carbon emissions are going up. It seems that a bike is necessary for a simple trip to the store, and a car for city exploration. Few are willing to rely on their own two feet for transportation, exacerbating the problem. The emissions from vehicles, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly degrade Kathmandu's air quality, posing serious health risks.

Furthermore, the widespread use of air conditioners only adds to the environmental strain. The haphazard construction of buildings, often at the expense of trees and hills, coupled with the indiscriminate burning of plastics and waste further compounds the issue. The once-clear view of the mountains is now obscured by polluted air.

Kathmandu, nestled like a bowl amidst verdant hills, traps pollutants within its confines, exacerbating the problem. Dust and dirt pervade every aspect of life, turning even a white T-shirt black by day’s end. It’s disheartening to witness the accumulation of grime on items left outside.

Blame cannot solely be placed on the government; individuals must also take responsibility for their actions. Those who fought for democracy and brought about change in our country must be able to effect change once again. By uniting, we can make a difference. What if we opted for communal transportation like buses instead of individual vehicles? What if we chose to walk short distances rather than rely on motorbikes?

We’re all too familiar with the health consequences of living in such a polluted city: Asthma, heart diseases, lung cancer, and more. It’s imperative that we assess our carbon footprint and remain conscious of our actions. The environment cannot wait for us to act; it’s time to transform our dusty bowl into a harmonious sanctuary. Our environment profoundly impacts our health, and it’s up to us to improve it. Though it may not have been our top priority, the environment cannot be neglected any longer.