Nepal Addresses Kathmandu's Thickening Air Pollution

By Deepak Gajurel

KATHMANDU, Nepal, February 23, 2004 (ENS) - People walking in the streets and riding bikes with masks to cover their noses and mouths are now common sights in Kathmandu, The 1.5 million residents of Nepal's capital city, worried about the deteriorating air quality across the valley, are trying to protect themselves with masks.

There are several laws, policies and programs in effect for curbing pollution in this 400 square kilometer (154 square mile) bowl shaped valley but the air quality continues to pose serious health threats.

The average amount of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter in the air of main commercial areas of Kathmandu is greater than 1,000 parts per million (ppm), according to a recent study carried out by Environment Sector Program Support (ESPS), a Danish Cooperation Agency supported project.

The World Health Organization (WHO) standard for total suspended particulate is 150 to 230 ppm.

The concentration of particulate matter has increased significantly in the air of the valley, the ESPS report states. Concentrations of benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon known to be a human carcinogen, is also a major concern now. Benzene levels have been recorded at 23 to 67 ppm, while WHO standards for benzene are only five to 20 ppm.

Traffic pollutes the air in Kathmandu. (Photo credit unknown)

The total amount of TSP emitted each year in Kathmandu is calculated at 19,884 tons. Experts say that most of these particles come from the exhaust of the diesel and petrol vehicles traveling Kathmandu roads.

Some particles, known as PM 10, are just one-seventh the width of a human hair. People exposed to PM 10 can suffer damage to breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death.

In Kathmandu, the concentration for PM 10 particulates is 200 ppm; by contrast the WHO standard is 70 ppm.

"These types of particulate matters could cause chronic pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections in children, the elderly and women," warns medical practitioner Dr. Sanjay Nayak.

Several factors contribute to the ever increasing pollution levels in Kathmandu - the number of vehicles, the quality of fuel, the state of roads and the devices being used are the major contributors.

Over 360,000 vehicles are registered in Nepal, of which more than 60 percent travel in Kathmandu valley, according to Department of Transport Management figures, but the valley has less than 200 kilometers (125 miles) of drivable roads.

Kathmandu streets are clogged with traffic. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Tidwell)

"The problem does not lie in the quality of cars being sold in the market. Most of the vehicles that enter Nepal comply with the respective emission standards of the country of origin," says an automobile dealer who prefers not to be identified by name.

Experts blame the quality of fuel and the state of roads as major reasons for the air pollution.

"The blatant adulteration of petroleum products is yet another factor in the pollution," says engineer Surhit Chapagain. "Though it doesn't hamper the emission controls instantly, it damages the engine and has an ultimate effect on emissions."

Government owned Nepal Oil Corporation, the sole distributor of petroleum products in Nepal, found more up to 40 percent adulteration in petrol, or gasoline, and diesel in a spot monitoring test at three petrol pumps last week. The Nepal Oil Corporation distributes fuels and oils through more than 1,500 private retail sellers across the country.

To make more of a profit, the dealers mix kerosene with petrol and with diesel. Petrol costs 54 Nepali rupees (US$0.74) per liter, diesel is 32 rupees , while kerosene is sold at 20 rupees (US$ 0.27) a liter.

"There has to be a better regulation and stringent monitoring measures to curb the adulteration, which is a major additive to pollution concerns," said Chapagwain.

Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley obscures surrounding mountains. (Photo credit unknown)

The court issued the notices in response to a petition by the nongovernmental organization Pro Public, which filed the public interest lawsuit six months ago.

Under the act, the government has the authority to appoint EIs to monitor noise levels and pollution levels of air and water.

Pleading behalf of Pro Public, advocate Sushil Bahadur Karki told the court, "The legal provisions have been flouted by not appointing the EIs. Without EIs, there are no authorities to monitor public health."

As a result of the growing outcry, His Majesty's Government of Nepal has decided to set up a new enforcement agency.

To oversee the implementation of environmental standards, policies, and the Environment Protection Act, the Ministry of Population and Environment has decided to establish an enforcement body - the Environmental Pollution Control Center (EPCC).

"A review of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, found that many environmental policies were not implemented in the absence of a policy-enforcing agency under the ministry," said an official at the Ministry of Population and Environment who preferred to remain anonymous.

The EPCC will be responsible for establishing coordination among line ministries to ensure that environmental standards are met.

At present, it is not clear as to which government agency should be responsible to monitor compliance of environmental standards. For instance, it is not clear which government agency should be responsible for overseeing compliance of pollution standards by industries.

The official said, "The upcoming agency will address all sectors of monitoring and evaluation."

Eventually, monitoring and enforcement could reduce levels of air pollution in Kathmandu, but for now, residents are still reaching for their masks before they leave home.