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Is Kathmandu livable and breathable? See the pictures…..

 

Recently, during the monsoon, the valley appears very clean; however, pollutions continue. Why, because around 60-70% of the pollution in Kathmandu is from inside the valley, and vehicular emissions are one of the major contributors to the pollutants inside the Kathmandu valley. The State of Global Air 2024 shows that in the Kathmandu Valley, each year, over 5,000 deaths are attributed to PM 2.5 in 2019. You might be one of them.

Why is the valley getting warmer, and why is pollution increasing?

One reason is because of the unplanned urbanization and infrastructure of the city. Secondly, the valley itself is in a bowl shape, where the pollution roams around the valley, as it cannot escape due to its geographical structure. Third, the unmanaged public transport system and the increasing number of private vehicles.

Now, let's find some of the sources of pollution and problems that have been observed, as some of you might see this daily, which is impacting our health. And it's not only the problem, it's a real fact we are living through.

 

Pollution from the School Bus

Pollutions from Public and private vehicles

Pollutions from heavy-duty vehicles and road dust



 

Not a proper lane to use cycle and vehicular pollution make it hard to breathe

No Proper infrastructure for Disabled people to walk with a crutch



Bathing in Contaminated Water

Washing Clothes in Contaminated Water

No Proper lane for Disabled people to use wheelchairs

 

Open Burning of Agricultural Residue



Forest fire in Godwari Area

Street Fire Burnt Corn

Street Barbeque

 

Dust from the construction

Pollutions from Industry

Pollution due to  firewood use for the roasting of seeds in an Oil mill



Pollution from solid waste and wastewater (hard to live and walk sideby)


-I am not sure, due to the polluted river, how many people are facing health issues.

 With the above pictures, what do you conclude?

  • The infrastructures are focused on vehicles rather than on the pedestrians and local people.
  • Inaccessible to clean water for poor people. 
  • Unmanaged solid waste management and irresponsible people in throw waste in roadside, open areas, and rivers
  • No proper wastewater treatment, which is polluting the rivers that our ancestors used to worship and use as drinking water
  • Agricultural residue and waste are burned openly
  • Open building contruntions
  • People who wash and bathe in contaminated water is prone to different diseases
  • Lack of school vehicle maintenance and servicing
  • Still running 20+ year-old vehicles around the city

 

Pollution in the dry season in the valley

Air quality monitoring and display to be aware?




We will come with more photos next time…………………….. 

 

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