Currently, Nepal is battling a trifecta of environmental challenges:  heatwaves attributed to soaring temperatures, escalating pollution levels, and rampant forest fires. The repercussions of these phenomena are not only evident in the country’s landscapes but are profoundly impacting the lives of its inhabitants – on their immediate health and daily lives.

Mercury has surged to unprecedented heights, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the Terai region, while Kathmandu recently recorded its highest temperature 33.5 degree Celsius, which is the highest temperature this year on record. The scorching heat has disrupted daily life for many, prompting concerns about health and well-being. Hospitals are reporting a rise in patients impacted by the ongoing heatwaves this summer, leading to the closure of a few schools in affected Terai regions.

Simultaneously, a surge in forest fires, exacerbating environmental degradation and posing significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, has been another threat. According to the Department of Forestry and Land Conservation, approximately two lakh hectares of forest area are engulfed by fire annually. The dry season, particularly from March to May, is considered high-risk for wildfires, with 89 percent of forest fires occurring during this period, as per the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

According to the statistics by the Department of Forestry and Soil Conservation, last year alone, there were 3341 fires in 2441 places under the jurisdiction of the Division Forest Office and 900 places under the jurisdiction of protected areas. So far this year, statistics from the department reveal that there have been fires in 4,885 places, including 3,737 places under the jurisdiction of the Division Forest Office and 1,148 places under the jurisdiction of protected areas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority attribute the surge in fires to drought conditions exacerbated by reduced winter rainfall. The toll however extends beyond environmental damage, with fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage reported in affected communities. 10 people have died and 48 people injured in the fire-related incidents this year alone. A total of 631 houses and 27 sheds have been damaged.

On the other hand, on 5th May 2024, at 12:05 Nepal time, Kathmandu recorded its pollution at 177 AQI, which according to WHO is extremely harmful to human health, and this has been on the increase for a month.

According to a study conducted by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in 2017, the average annual maximum temperature of Nepal has risen by 0.056 degrees Celsius.

An irresistible correlation exists between heatwaves, pollution, and forest fires, exacerbating the challenges faced by Nepal. According to Dr. Bhupendra Das, an Air Quality Expert, “the wildfires or domestic fires, agricultural remains burning, and industrial burnings have a role in exacerbating air pollution, citing black carbon and methane emissions as significant contributors. These short-term pollutants intensify pollution levels, further compromising air quality and public health.”

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had issued a warning outlining the potential health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to hot air and heatwaves, including fatigue, weakness, excessive thirst, headaches, and dizziness. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers, are particularly susceptible to these adverse effects.

To mitigate the risks, authorities have urged individuals to seek refuge indoors or in cool areas, limit outdoor activities, avoid direct sun exposure, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, cover the head when venturing outside, and stay hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids. These however are temporary solutions. If the past is any indicator, Nepal will continue to face impact of the trifecta environmental challenges. In 2020, the government had issued Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan – 2020, however it has little progress to show on its implementation, failing miserably in its implementation. Similarly, while staying indoors and wearing masks provide immediate relief, the government must also develop an effective national plan to address the issue – one that addresses rising temperatures, forest fires, and air quality – to ensure the wellbeing of its citizens.