NATIONAL 6 -(Spotlight Weekly)]

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Unmet Challenges

Even after making many efforts, the environment of the Kathmandu valley is yet to improve

By A CORRESPONDENT

Despite the banning of smoke-belching Vikram tempos and setting strict emission standards, the air quality of Kathmandu valley is yet to improve.

Brick-kilns : Smoke in the air

According to a recent study, the level of air pollution rises above the standard set by the World Health Organization. Carbon dioxide and the level of particles in the air is much higher in Kathmandu. In certain areas like Chabahil, Putalisadak and Kalimati, it is significantly beyond acceptable levels.

Over the last five years, the government has introduced many mechanisms to contain the level of pollution. The government also restricted vehicles without green stickers -- which certify compliance with emission standards -- from entering key city areas.

As the level of air pollution increases, the number of people suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory diseases in the Kathmandu has grown. Studies conducted by various organizations also show that the number of patients visiting hospitals continue to rise, particularly children who are prone to pneumonia.

A study conducted by the Save the Environment Foundation a few years ago deteriorating situation in Kathmandu. Although smoke-belching vehicles were thrown out of Kathmandu valley, air pollution continues to rise.

As other polluting vehicles were thrown out of Kathmandu valley, the government has allowed the import of vehicles that run on gas, which continues to pollute the street of Kathmandu valley.

"The government will set certain standards to control air pollution in Kathmandu valley," said a senior official at the Ministry of Population and Environment.

In the last two years, the number of vehicles continue to increase in the valley, reaching more than 200,000. The congested roads of the valley are not able to cope increasing number of vehicles.

Environmentalists and other non-governmental organizations lodged a strong protest demanding restrictions on importing vehicles in Kathmandu, but no one has paid any attention to it.

The pressure against growing pollution problems continue to rise as citizens groups along with other organizations have been launching various kinds of programs to reduce the pollution.

Kathmandu is facing number of pollution problems, including garbage accumulation and decline in the quality of air. The rivers of Kathmandu have now turned into a sewer. Garbage collection and composting is major problem faced by the Kathmandu valley.

Because of lack of permanent land-fill side, garbage crisis continues to appear in the valley. Lack of awareness and execution of environment laws are another problems facing the country.

"We can reduce the level of air pollution in Kathmandu valley if we taken certain actions," said Chanda Rana, president of Save the Environment Foundation. "Our organization has been making every efforts to take initiative."

Other non-governmental organizations are also busy to launch the programs to generate awareness among the population. There are more than 100 organizations have been working in the areas of environment.

As Kathmandu valley needs a certain programs to reduce the level of air pollution, sooner it comes down better for the future of the valley. What the government has to do is to initiate tangible work to control it.