The World Bank has approved a $52 million concessional loan (approximately NPR 6.9 billion) to Nepal to strengthen air pollution reduction and air quality management systems. The approval came during the World Bank’s board meeting.
The program, named “Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project,” aims to reduce harmful particulate emissions from industrial and commercial boilers and kilns. The project will primarily focus on areas with high air pollution risk, including the Kathmandu Valley, the Terai region, and the hill basins.
According to the World Bank, air pollution in Nepal currently reduces productivity and increases health-related costs, accounting for over 6% of the country’s GDP. This project is expected to help reduce this economic burden by providing industries with concessional loans and technical support, which will lower operational costs and improve their competitiveness.
David Sislen, David Sislen, the division director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, stated that the project will encourage Nepali industries to adopt cleaner production practices, contributing to long-term sustainable development. He added, “Industrial emissions are expected to be a major source of air pollution in the coming years. This project will promote cleaner production in Nepali industries and support long-term sustainable development.”
The project is part of the World Bank’s “Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills Regional Air Quality Management Program.”
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