Road construction raises capital's pollution level

KATHMANDU, Apr 21: The ongoing road construction in the capital has increased the pollution level triggering serious health hazards to its residents. According to Air Pollution Data from World Health Organization (WHO), pollution levels within the capital have been recorded at a staggering 86.6 percent.

Samjana Aryal, 26 recently suffered from allergy while she was exposed to the dust and pollution of Sadobato. “I didn't have anything to cover my face in the dust. After I went home, my whole body was covered in dirt, and I felt my skin getting dry” she said.


She claimed that her skin has gone drier and rough after she started traveling the road of Sadobato. “It mostly affected my face. My nose and lips were dried due to the pollution.” Because of the pollution, she has started wearing mask and covering her head and face with scarf now days.

Anish Chaudary, 28 is a student who faces dirt and pollution, everyday due to his traveling schedule. “I travel to Kalanki from Sundhara every day. After returning home, one day my body was itching very much. Itchy red spots had appeared all over the skin.” He said that when consulted a dermatologist the following day, he came to know that it was due to dust and dirt. “I can only hope for the construction of roads to complete soon. Only than can we be relieved.”

Dermatologist Narayan Bahadur Basnet informed that the air pollution can affect a person from head to toe. “Our skin is the largest surface of the body. But pollution not only affects our skin, it affects every part of our body from head to toe,” he said. He further said that, pollution can be more harmful for newly born children and pregnant women. “When small children breathe the polluted air, it affects their respiratory system,” Dr Basnet said.

 The doctor said that pollution can also cause respiratory problems. “Breathe polluted air affects our lungs, which can create breathing discomfort from time to time,” he added.

Daya Kanta Jha, from Department of Road (DoR) said that they are trying to decrease the pollution level by watering the road during construction. “We can't avoid dust pollution, when roads are being constructed in most parts of the capital. But we are trying to decrease air pollution by watering roads while carrying out construction work”.

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