Experts Say Schools Should Close Due to Bad Air

Environmental experts and concerned stakeholders have suggested that schools should remain closed until air pollution levels improve. They pointed out that air quality in Kathmandu and several other cities has reached dangerously high levels, and unless immediate action is taken, the situation could spiral out of control. They also recommended implementing an odd-even vehicle rule to reduce pollution. In a joint statement, experts including Bhushan Tuladhar, Silsa Acharya (Director of Arni Ventures), Raju Pandit Chhetri (Executive Director of Prakriti Research Center), Rajan Parajuli (Secretary General of Clean Energy Nepal), and Chandrashekhar Karki (President of Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists) presented seven key demands to the government: 1. Declare an environmental emergency in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 300. 2. Mobilize resources in coordination with security forces and local communities to control wildfires. 3. Ban vehicles that emit excessive smoke and dust, and immediately intensify road cleaning and dust control measures. 4. Close schools until there is a noticeable improvement in air quality. 5. Enforce an odd-even rule for vehicles to reduce traffic-related pollution. 6. Immediately stop the burning of agricultural residue and waste. 7. Encourage the public to wear masks as a mandatory safety measure. The experts stated, “Nepal’s Constitution guarantees the right to live in a clean environment. Therefore, the government must show a clear commitment and take urgent steps to control air pollution.”