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Kathmandu Valley: deteriorating air quality and measuring stations


In February 2013, Nepal’s Ministry of Environment released data on air pollution, which was described as “alarming.”

Republica (February 26, 2013) reported the latest air quality data which was recorded in the first week of February. In Kathmandu Valley (made up of three districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur) recorded PM10 “far beyond the national air quality standard.” PM10 (Particulate Matter 10) is the level of fine particles in the air with diameters less than or equal to 10 micrometres. Nepal’s national air quality standard of pollutant PM10 is 120 micrograms per cubic metre (UG/M3 – chemical vapours, fumes, or dust in the ambient air as a measurable unit). Bhaktapur measured 150 UG/M3, Thamel measured 200 UG/M3 and Putalisadak measured 300 UG/M3. However, Machchhegaun showed just 70 UG/M3.

Six air quality monitoring stations in Kathmandu Valley, funded by the Danish government, with two stations in Kirtipur and Patan funded by the Ministry of Environment in 2002, remained inactive for 5 years. Currently only four air quality monitoring stations are functional. The two government-funded stations will not be functioning for some time because the ministry is having difficulty finding spare parts for the equipment and maintenance. The four functioning stations (Danish-funded) received spare parts “with great difficulty.”

The previous air quality data was released in 2008. At that time, Patan, Thamel and Putalisadak (suburbs in Kathmandu Valley) showed the highest air pollution levels ranging from 120 UG/M3 to 135 UG/M3.

ICIMOD, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Nepal, recently released a report stating that the Kalanki to Thankot route is “massively polluted.” The study of Kathmandu Valley residents, from 2009-2011, reported a significant rise in respiratory diseases. ICIMOD called for immediate steps to tackle the problem of air pollution in the Valley.


The rise in air pollution in Kathmandu Valley is attributed to the rapid increase in urbanization and the accompanying increase in the number of vehicles contributing to gases and solid particulate matter in the air, the ICIMOD report stated. The high level of particulate matter in the air contributes to health risks, particularly of permanent residents, and particularly in the dry winter months. The report stated that the main pollutants in the Valley were particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide.


The ICIMOD atmospheric environment specialist maintained that the city did not need a device to measure the pollutants because it was noted in the health of residents on a day-to-day basis. However, as in other countries, air quality stations can warm residents of unusually high levels of pollutants, and the government can take steps to reduce levels. With recording and monitoring, the measurements can ensure government accountability as well as provide evidence of progress.
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