Kathmandu. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Rupa BK has said that the air quality has deteriorated due to rapid urbanization and population growth.
At a high-level session on ‘Addressing the Financial Challenges in Climate Justice Action and Sustainable Development’ organized on the third day of the Sagarmatha Sambad here today, he stressed the need for all to address air pollution as it has reduced the average life expectancy of citizens.
“Air pollution is one of the most complex development challenges of our time, deeply impacting the health, environment and economy of our region,” He said, adding that South Asia has become the epicentre of global air pollution and many of its cities are counted among the most polluted cities in the world. ’
He said That Nepal has taken steps to address this crisis including promotion of low carbon public transport, implementation of strict emission standards and development of electric mobility. Stating that the Kathmandu Valley Air Pollution Management Action Plan (2020) and the National Environment Policy (2019) reflect the government’s strategic response, he said the Department of Environment has also expanded air quality monitoring in real time, making data accessible to the general public.
“Forest fires are also contributing to air pollution, people are leaving villages and due to lack of proper management of forests, the remaining organic material is fuelling forest fires,” he said. This new threat needs urgent attention in our broader air quality strategies. ’
Air pollution is also a cross-border issue and requires strong regional cooperation through shared data, policies and best practices, he said. State Minister BK said it was equally important to build institutional and technical capacity through training, regional workshops and involvement of stakeholders.
“We have to ensure sustainable investment. Development partners, charities, and multilateral banks must support long-term and expandable solutions. ’
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