Environment Department advises against burning rubbish made of plastic

Following an increase in air pollution in many regions of the nation, the Department of Environment has advised the people not to burn solid and plastic garbage. With the steady increase in air pollution following the start of winter, the Department advised everyone to refrain from burning such garbage. Over the past several weeks, there has been an upsurge in air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley and the Tarai area. According to the Department, the primary sources of air pollution include dust from roads and construction sites, open garbage and burning of agricultural wastes, smoke from residences, smoke from companies, factories, and automobiles, as well as forest fires.

Between 151 and 200, the air quality index is deemed unhealthy; between 201 and 300, it is deemed very unhealthy; and between 301 and 301, it is deemed hazardous. Since children, the elderly, heart and respiratory patients, and pregnant women are the groups most at risk from the effects of pollution, the Department has asked that extra care be taken. The Department has advised those in question to avoid burning agricultural leftovers and solid and plastic trash, to routinely repair their cars, to utilize clean energy in kitchens and factories, and to appropriately regulate dust and smoke coming from roadways and building sites. The Department has been using stations all around the nation to measure air pollution.