The Dire Air Quality Crisis in Kathmandu: Effects and Causes

As I write this, the air quality index in most parts of Kathmandu is a staggering 300, considered extremely dangerous. Everyone here is breathing what is being described as the most polluted air in the world at present. The repercussions of this pollution are immediately visible: people are experiencing burning eyes, coughing, and an uncomfortable heat sensation, even when looking at the sky or stepping outside for a short while.

As of recent, there have been 60 forest fires throughout the country, contributing to the dangerously high pollution levels. NASA's FIRMS Fire Information for Resource Management System offers visual evidence of these fires, further exacerbating the issue.

Health Impacts on Kathmandu Residents

The pollution is undeniably taking a toll on the residents of Kathmandu. People's eyes are burning, and coughing is widespread. This is not a situation where it's safe to look at the sky for more than a few minutes. In fact, even glancing at the sky has caused watering in people's eyes, a stark reminder that the pollution has indeed reached a critical level.

Authorities have advised people to stay indoors and only leave their houses if absolutely necessary, with a recommendation to wear masks if they have to venture out. However, it appears that many people have ignored this advice, as not everyone in Kathmandu has been wearing masks.

Contributing Factors to the Crisis

The high air pollution levels in Kathmandu are not solely due to waste gases. Around 70% of the air pollution in the Kathmandu valley is attributed to dust particles, primarily from unmanaged infrastructure such as unpaved roads. This has been quantified using a 'Pollution Defender' named the Greenery Calculator, manufactured by Triton Robotics Club. According to this device, areas like Chabhil, Gausala, Jorpati, and Koteshwor were found to have air quality levels around 90 ppm within the range of 100-90 ppm.

The data from the Greenery Calculator suggests that nitrogen-based waste gases such as NH3, CO, NOX, nitrobenzene, and CO2 are not the primary contributors to the pollution problem. Instead, dust particles are the main culprit. The introduction of mature Peepal trees in these areas could significantly reduce these particulate levels, bringing down the pollution index to within a healthier range.

Personal Experiences and Expert Opinions

From a personal perspective, I have experienced recurring colds every month. Despite my efforts to prevent these, I became infected by coughing. A doctor diagnosed me as being allergic to dust, and wearing masks has since addressed this issue. Not having suffered from a cold for the past three months is a testament to the severity of the air pollution. This underscores the critical need to manage and improve air quality in Kathmandu.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The air quality crisis in Kathmandu is a serious and ongoing issue that requires immediate attention and action. Reducing dust particles through better infrastructure management and increased use of greenery can help mitigate the damage. It's imperative for the government and citizens alike to adopt measures to improve the air quality, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.