The 'clean air' debate in Kathmandu: Emphasis on collaboration, implementation and local activism

Kathmandu, February 18. Minister for Forests and Environment Madhav Prasad Chaolagain has said that environmental protection is not a matter of any one ministry or agency but a 'cross-cutting' agenda of all ministries and levels.

Minister Chaolagain expressed this view at a discussion program titled 'Kathmandu Clean Air' focused on the increasing air pollution in the capital and its long-term solutions. The program was jointly organized by InDrive and Almaty Air Initiative.

The chief guest of the program, Minister Chaolagain, said, "It is a good thing for every ministry to talk about the environment. It is a positive sign that everyone is taking ownership and moving forward rather than limiting it to a single agency."

Minister Chaolagain, noting that the perception that the government has not done anything at the public level may be partial and one-sided, stressed the need to effectively implement government structures, laws and action plans. "Nepal has adequate legal system. It is more necessary to effectively implement the existing structures and provisions than to keep adding new institutions and laws," he clarified.

He mentioned that the 137-point action plan that was recently reviewed has covered many of the expected issues and is gradually moving towards implementation. Clarifying the role of the private sector, industry and local levels, he said that local governments like Kathmandu Metropolitan City have been more active.

Minister Chaolagain mentioned that the system is becoming confused due to lack of institutional coordination, lack of resources and dual roles. “Sometimes we try to take the role of one by another, but that does not bring clarity to the system. Coordination and collaboration are the main basis for the solution,” he said.

He emphasized on institutional strengthening, pointing out that institutions like the Department of Environment need internal resources, leadership support and cooperation from other sectors. “It is necessary not only to create a structure, but to make it active and accountable,” he added.

Mark Tolly, Regional Director of InDrive, said that clean air is becoming a standard for leadership and overall country development. He informed that work has been taken forward under the title of “Fresh Activism for Kathmandu” and opined that Nepal should prioritize local activism. “We should not wait for foreign aid. Only partnerships between local levels, the private sector and civil society can produce tangible results,” she said.

Zhuldyaz Saulebekova, CEO of the Almaty Air Initiative, said that clean air is an issue directly linked to health, and not just measurement, but effective implementation is necessary. “It is not enough to simply enact new laws. Practical programs linked to budget, technology, education and transport management are needed,” she said.

She presented the experience of Almaty, Kazakhstan, noting that industrial pollution, transport and thermal energy systems are the main sources of pollution. “The process of converting coal-based thermal power plants to solar energy and natural gas is underway. If the direction is right, change is possible,” she said.

Saulebekova emphasized the need to adopt city-specific solutions by empowering local bodies, as every city’s problems are different. “Cooperation is key for us. We need to strengthen bridges between the government, the private sector and civil society,” she said.

Rajesh Gautam, representing the Health Council, presented on the relationship between clean air and health. Dr. Regina Maske Byanju highlighted the technical aspects of Kathmandu's air quality, highlighting the importance of pollution measurement systems, sampling, and data analysis.

From the legal side, Roshni Giri discussed the existing legal provisions and implementation challenges, while environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar presented on the need for local activism and the impact of community-based initiatives on clean air in Kathmandu.

Participants in the discussion concluded that ensuring implementation, coordination, and accountability, rather than policymaking, is the main need of the hour. In addition, it was emphasized that traditional local knowledge and practices should be reactivated and incorporated into long-term strategies.

The organizers said that the program sent a message that balanced coordination between law, policy, budget, technology, and local participation is indispensable for achieving clean air.