Kathmandu: The World Bank has approved Rs 7.7 billion in credit to support Nepal’s Clean Air and Prosperity Project, aimed at reducing industrial air pollution and strengthening air quality management.
The project will help reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions, particularly from industrial and commercial boilers and furnaces, while improving national systems for monitoring and managing air quality.
According to David Sislen, Division Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, air pollution is a major challenge in Nepal.
He said air pollution is not only a public health crisis but also a significant economic burden, costing Nepal more than six percent of its GDP each year due to health expenses and lost labour productivity.
The project aims to protect millions of people from harmful pollution by helping Nepali industries adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies, which can also reduce operating costs, improve competitiveness, and promote sustainable industrial growth.
(RSS)
