KMC to install air quality monitoring devices

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in collaboration with the Partnership for Healthy Cities (PHC) initiative, has launched a groundbreaking project to install air quality monitoring devices across the Kathmandu Metropolitan Area.

The first monitoring site was inaugurated today at a formal ceremony held at the KMC main office building by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol.

This initiative reinforces Kathmandu’s commitment to tackling air pollution as part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of 74 cities dedicated to saving lives by preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. The Partnership is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vital Strategies. In Kathmandu, the project is being implemented by the National Federation of Youth NGO Nepal (NFYN) in close coordination with the KMC office.

Under this initiative, the KMC is installing 18 Clarity Node-S air quality monitoring devices, designed to measure PM 2.5 concentrations, a critical pollutant affecting respiratory health. These devices have been trusted by over 70 cities globally, including London, Bogota, Accra, Jakarta, Dhaka, Perth, and many others.

The Clarity Node-S sensors are equipped with advanced features, including solar-powered operation, eliminating the need for external power sources, and built-in data connectivity for real-time data transmission to KMC’s centralized dashboard. To ensure data reliability and accuracy, all devices have undergone rigorous colocation and calibration processes with ground stations, supported by the Department of Environment. This calibration aligns with standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), ensuring high-quality, and actionable data for policy formulation.

The initiative aims to provide localized, real-time air quality data to inform evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions. It also serves to engage the public and stakeholders in addressing air pollution. This project positions Kathmandu as the first local government in Nepal to establish an independent air quality monitoring system, marking a significant milestone in environmental governance.

Speaking at the event, Sarita Rai, Head of the Environment Management Department, emphasized KMC’s commitment to combating air pollution through programs such as vehicle emissions testing and enforcement against open waste burning. She also declared the month of Poush as “Air Pollution Awareness Month” in collaboration with the PHC initiative.

Similarly, Er. Sanjeeb Pandey, Project Lead for PHC Kathmandu, provided a detailed overview of the technical features of the devices and shared plans to make the data accessible to the public via a web portal and mobile application in the program. He encouraged private and public entities to actively participate in the Air Pollution Awareness Month Campaign.

Likewise, Rajaram Shrestha, National Program Officer at WHO Nepal, highlighted the severe health risks associated with air pollution, calling it a “silent killer.” He stressed the importance of preventive measures to mitigate these risks.

On the occasion, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol reaffirmed the KMC’s commitment to utilizing the data from these monitoring devices for evidence-based policies. She highlighted the importance of initiatives such as “Car-Free Saturday” at Hadigaun and strict penalties for open burning. She called upon all stakeholders to join hands in making Air Pollution Awareness Month a resounding success, ensuring the city’s residents have a right to live in a healthier environment.

This initiative represents a historic step, positioning KMC as a leader in air quality management and environmental sustainability in Nepal.