Kathmandu Metropolitan City urges public to reduce air pollution risks

Kathmandu, November 5 Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged residents not to burn plastic waste, warning that the risk of air pollution may rise with the onset of winter. Sarita Rai, head of the KMC Environment Department, said the main causes of air pollution are vehicle emissions, dust from roads and other construction work, smoke from industries and factories, and fumes from the open burning of plastic waste. She urged people neither to carry out nor to allow such activities.

Rai also appealed to all concerned parties to avoid activities that violate the standards. Poor air quality puts children, senior citizens, people with asthma or cough, and patients with chronic illnesses at greater risk. According to the department, vehicles should be operated within the prevailing emission standards.

Owners should also maintain their vehicles regularly to reduce pollution. Construction materials should not be piled up on roads and footpaths. Industries, factories and hospitals must operate within the air quality and emission limits set by the KMC Pollution Control Standards 2081 BS.