The local government of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has initiated a project installing air quality monitoring devices in 18 different locations within its jurisdiction. The project was inaugurated by KMC Deputy Mayor Ms. Sunita Dongol by setting up one such device at the KMC office in Kathmandu Plaza.
The Metropolitan City’s Department of Environmental Management has collaborated with the Partnership for Healthy Cities for the installation of the necessary equipment to monitor air quality across the metropolitan area. Healthy Cities is a global network of 70 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries. KMC is a member of this network. The project is part of the initiatives of the World Health Organization and the World Health Organization’s Critical Strategies and with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Besides at the KMC office, the devices have also been installed at Chhatrapati Free Hospital, Ward No. 17, and at Shanti Vidyagriha Secondary School, Lainchaur, Ward No. 26.
What do the devices do?
The Air Quality Monitoring Devices collect ambient air pollution samples and measure them against the established standards to derive the results. The samples will also help identify the potential health and environmental impacts arising from the air quality levels.
Speaking after the launch of the device, Deputy Mayor Dangol said that the Metropolitan City is working to reduce pollution through internal programs and collaboration with partners. She added, “Fact-based evidence is needed to measure ongoing programs’ effectiveness and make additional and improvement programs. The air pollution measurement device provides such facts.”
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How does it work?
The air quality monitoring devices work on sensors and provide real-time data. Project Chief Engineer Sanjeev Pandey states that Clarity’s Node-S air quality sensors provide real-time details of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 in the air. The data is sent to the Metropolitan Municipality’s dashboard. A plan is to make these data accessible to the general public through a web portal and KMC mobile application. “The devices are installed at the locations that will likely incur a lot of dust particles,” Pandey informed.
PM 2.5 is a small particle found in the atmosphere. These particles can easily reach the lungs. They can enter the bloodstream. This causes various chronic diseases including respiratory and heart diseases. The World Health Organization has said that the annual average of PM 2.5 should be 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
“The Dust-Free Metropolis Program is being implemented to build a healthy city by reducing the impact of pollution on the economic, social, environmental, and development sectors. Park and greenery promotion projects have been launched. Open burning of fire has been banned. The car-free Saturdays program has been launched in Handigaun. The practice of sorting waste at source has been promoted. School-level environment and children’s programs have been launched for environmental education.” He said, “Partnership will help institutionalize achievements.”
Air Quality Monitoring Devices installation locations in Kathmandu:
As stated above, the Kathmandu Metropolitan government has set a plan to install air quality devices in 19 devices that will be installed at 18 different places while three have been installed. The locations where these devices will be installed are listed below:
- KMC office in Kathmandu Plaza
- Chhatrapati Free Hospital, ward No. 17
- Shanti Vidyagriha Secondary School, Lainchaur, Ward No. 26
- Kalanki Chowk,
- Balaju Baisadhara Uddhan,
- Paropakar Maternity & Women’s Hospital, Thapathali,
- Metropolitan Police Force Regional Office New Bus Park,
- Thulo Bharyang of the Ring Road,
- Bouddha,
- Ratna Rajya Secondary School, Madhya Baneshwor,
- Teku Transfer Station,
- Ward No. 27 Office,
- Pashupati Mitra Secondary School, Chabahil,
- Herbs Production & Processing Company Office, Jadibuti,
- Ward No. 5 Office, Narade,
- Ward No. 23 Office Ombahal,
- Urban Health Promotion Center of Ward No. 1, Naxal and
- Ward No. 31 Office premises.
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Air quality has been a poor reflection of Kathmandu in recent years with each score highlighting poor state. KMC seeks to address these concerns and expects the devices to offer help.