CLEAN UP NEPAL Leads Coordinated Action During 2025 Air Pollution Crisis

In early 2025, cities across Nepal, including Kathmandu, experienced a severe air pollution crisis, with air quality reaching hazardous levels due to prolonged dry weather and widespread forest fires. This posed a serious threat to public health, especially impacting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. In response, CLEAN UP NEPAL launched awareness campaigns urging the public to wear masks, reduce outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and take preventive measures to protect their health. A major initiative during this period was the promotion of the Safa Nepal digital platform, which empowered citizens to report incidents like open burning, illegal waste dumping, and delayed waste collection. The organization also issued a 14-point appeal calling on the Government of Nepal, local bodies, NGOs, INGOs, and other stakeholders to come together and implement concrete actions to improve air quality and enforce environmental laws effectively.

The public response was encouraging, with individuals actively engaging in health precautions and community-driven reporting. Local governments received support in evidence-based decision-making through the Safa Nepal app, while CLEAN UP NEPAL’s message—centered around the right to clean air—resonated widely. This collective action highlighted the power of coordinated efforts in addressing environmental crises. While the immediate threat has passed, the experience underscored the need for continued vigilance, sustained policy action, and public engagement to build a healthier, more livable Nepal.