Air Pollution Remains Nepal’s Leading Health Risk, Says World Bank Report

Kathmandu – Air pollution has emerged as the single greatest risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, according to a new World Bank report that calls for bold, cross-sectoral action to combat the worsening air quality crisis. The report, titled Towards Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources, and Solutions, underscores the urgent need for coordinated public policy and investment to address pollution across all major sectors of the economy.

Despite years of growing awareness, air quality in Nepal has shown little improvement, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai region, which remain the country’s most severe pollution hotspots. The report reveals that air pollution in Nepal reduces average life expectancy by 3.4 years and is responsible for around 26,000 premature deaths annually. The broader economic toll is also staggering, with poor air quality costing the country over six percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.

“Clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today,” said Hon. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister for Forests and Environment. “From setting stricter industrial emission standards to promoting electric transport, the government is committed to cleaning Nepal’s air.”

The World Bank report highlights that isolated or single-sector interventions are not enough to address the problem effectively. Because air pollution stems from a wide range of sources—from vehicle emissions and industrial activity to household cooking practices and forest fires—a multi-sectoral and regional strategy is essential. Nepal’s unique topography, especially the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley surrounded by mountains, further compounds the pollution problem by trapping harmful particles close to the ground.

David Sislen, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration: “The World Bank is committed to helping Nepal strengthen its air quality improvement programs by leveraging financial and technical assistance. We are drawing on global experience to ensure our support for cleaner air is both impactful and sustainable.”

The report also calls for enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries to address transboundary pollution, as Nepal shares an airshed with the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills. Pollutants can travel across national borders, making regional coordination critical to improving air quality.