Environment Department urges public not to burn plastic waste

KATHMANDU: The Department of Environment has urged the public not to burn the solid and plastic wastes after the rise in air pollution in several parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.

The Department urged one and all to avoid burning such wastes with the gradual rise in air pollution after the onset of winter.

Air pollution has increased in the Tarai region and the Kathmandu Valley for the past few weeks.

The Department informed that the main causes of air pollution were smoke emanating from industries, factories and vehicles, forest fires, open waste and burning of agricultural residues, smoke emanating from homes, and dust from roads and construction sites among others.

An air quality index between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, and 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Likewise, 151 to 200 is considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and 301 dangerous levels.

Noting that air pollution has a critical impact on human health, the Department has requested to take special precautions targeting children, the elderly and respiratory and heart patients and pregnant women as the most vulnerable to pollution impacts.

The Department has urged the concerned not to burn solid and plastic waste and agricultural residues, maintain vehicles regularly, use clean energy in industries and kitchens, and properly control smoke and dust emanating from roads and construction sites. The Department has been measuring air pollution through stations across the country.