Kathmandu Valley, which was once a symbol of Nepal's cultural and natural beauty, is now suffering from air pollution.

The air here is becoming polluted day by day and this problem is seriously affecting public health, environment and overall lifestyle. Identifying the causes of pollution and finding solutions to them has now become indispensable.

There are many reasons behind the increase in air pollution in Kathmandu. Excessive use of vehicles and the fumes emitted by them are major factors. Older vehicles, poor quality fuel and lack of maintenance are adding fine particles to the air. Similarly, dust from construction work, smoke from forest fires and pollution from industries have also deepened this crisis. The valley's bowl-shaped topography has compounded the problem by blocking polluted air from escaping.

Moreover, the role of brick kilns cannot be ignored. These kilns use polluting fuels such as coal, wood, and sometimes tires, which release harmful chemicals and particles into the smoke. which make the air more toxic. Although the government has introduced a policy to convert traditional kilns into 'zigzag' technology, the implementation is lax. Similarly, the practice of waste burning and the use of conventional fuels are also increasing the level of pollution.

Kathmandu's air pollution is a complex challenge, but its solution is not impossible. This crisis can only be overcome by the joint efforts of the government, citizens and the private sector. If action is not taken now, due to the lack of clean air, both the identity of Kathmandu and the future of its residents will be in crisis. Time will not delay—now is the time to execute.

– Santosh Simkhada , Tokyo, Japan