The National Human Rights Commission has stated that it has drawn serious attention to the situation where, in recent years, Nepal has consistently ranked among the most air-polluted countries globally, and in the past few days, pollution levels have further increased, adversely affecting human health.
Due to factors such as drought, forest fires, the use of firewood and dung cakes as fuel in rural areas, old vehicles, industries, and transboundary air pollution, data have shown that air quality in most parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, remains at high levels of PM2.5 and PM10. These levels are significantly above the standards set by national authorities and the World Health Organization. During its preliminary monitoring, the Commission found that out of 30 air quality monitoring stations established in Nepal, only 11 were providing updated online ‘real-time’ air quality data.
The statement notes that air pollution has been causing health problems such as lung diseases, heart diseases, strokes, and respiratory infections. The Commission also recalled studies indicating that approximately 26,000 people die annually in Nepal due to air pollution. Monitoring conducted by the Commission further revealed that the Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, 2019, has not been effectively implemented. The Commission stated that the effectiveness of environmental protection efforts has been hindered by factors such as donor-driven programs, lack of updated data, and ineffective coordination among different levels of government and agencies.
The Commission further noted that Nepal, as a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, is obligated under Article 11(2)(a) and Article 12(2)(b) and (c) to ensure environmental rights. Similarly, under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the state has a responsibility to protect children from environmental pollution and its risks; however, these obligations have not been effectively fulfilled.
Therefore, the Commission has urged all three levels of government, private institutions, and all concerned stakeholders to act more responsibly in ensuring the implementation of provisions guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal as well as national and international laws related to the right to a clean and healthy environment, thereby ensuring every citizen’s right to a clean and healthy environment. The statement, issued by the Commission’s spokesperson and Joint Secretary Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, also urges the general public to remain aware of the potential adverse effects on their health.