Pollution forces Nepal govt to shut schools and colleges for four days

In a concerning development, pollution has forced the Nepal Government to shut all educational institutions for four days starting Tuesday.  The decision is said to be due to the severe deterioration of air quality in recent days. This is the first-ever shutdown of the country’s schools and colleges due to pollution.

As per news reports, The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Nepal took the decision on Monday stating that the increasing levels of air pollution could adversely affect the children’s health.  

Kathmandu is currently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, with the air quality index (AQI) readings well above 300, the highest level of concern, during the weekend. Smoke and haze continue to cover Kathmandu Valley and other hill regions.

Last week, quality of air in major cities degraded tremendously, while air quality in other places was reported to have become increasingly unhealthy. Readings from air quality metres located in various stations of Nepal showed that cities like Simara had the poorest air quality. Hourly AQI data showed Simara’s air quality as very hazardous. The World Air Quality Project’s index stood at 515 while that of the Department of Environment (DoE) stood at 490.

Nepal has experienced a sudden rise in air pollution levels in the past few days. The Ministry of Health and Population had issued a statement cautioning the people of the dire effects of poor air quality, urging all to take necessary precautions and to avoid going out unnecessarily.  

Nepalese netizens, especially those from major cities like Kathmandu, have posted images and experience of pollution in the city on Twitter. Many have been complaining of burning eyes and nose, itchy throat, among other health issues.

Poor visibility induced by the smog, had resulted in delay’s of domestic and international flights in the country’s only international airport.

Among other reasons, widespread instances of wildfire that are a common occurrence during this season and vehicular pollution, are being cited as the major cause behind the latest environmental concern.