Kathmandu: The Nepalese government on Monday announced the closure of all educational institutions in the next four days due to the sharp decline in air quality in the past.
The Department of Education, Science and Technology said increased levels of air pollution could affect children’s health.
The eeting, led by Education Minister Krishna Gopal Shrestha, has decided to close all educational institutions due to increased air pollution and the potential impact on children’s health, according to a statement issued by the Department.
Nepal has been facing a major air pollution crisis, with heavy smoke blocking the country’s airspace since Wednesday and this has affected flights. Almost all national and international flights have been canceled since Wednesday.
The Department of Health has already warned people with respiratory infections and some health conditions not to leave the house due to rising air pollution.
Kathmandu and other major Nepal cities have seen a dramatic decline in air quality since Wednesday as smoke and smoke continue to cover the sky.
Environmentalists say wildfires and car emissions have been contributing to an increase in air pollution across the country.
About 480 forest fires have been burned throughout Nepal, according to the Department of Forestry and Environment, as a result of which heavy smoke is concentrated in much of Nepal in central and air quality in major cities in the region.
The Nepal wildfire season begins sometime between November and December and continues until the onset of heavy rains. The last week of April is considered to be the peak of forest fires.
On Friday, Kathmandu was listed as the world’s most polluted city in terms of air quality.
