Banking News – Taza Initiative Nepal, established in 2026, is a non-profit organization engaged in research, air quality monitoring, and promoting evidence-based solutions to reduce air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. Through research, data, monitoring, and public awareness initiatives, Taza Initiative Nepal works to strengthen access to reliable environmental information and support evidence-based actions toward a healthier urban environment. Along with the organization’s launch, the findings of a new survey of 1,200 residents of the Kathmandu Valley have also been made public, highlighting the significant gap between public concern about air pollution and access to reliable air quality information.

The survey conducted by Taza Initiative Nepal among 1,200 residents of the Kathmandu Valley has revealed a contradiction while 81.2 percent rated the valley’s air pollution as harmful to extremely harmful to health, among those who check air quality, 94.1 percent rely solely on their own senses (smell, visibility, and eye irritation) rather than official data.

Key Survey Findings

Overall, 52.3 percent of residents rated the air quality in their locality as bad to very bad. Negative perception is particularly high in major urban centers of the valley, with 60.9 percent in Lalitpur, 59.2 percent in Kathmandu, and 56 percent in Bhaktapur rating local air quality negatively. In comparison, this rate is 35.9 percent in North Kathmandu.

Knowledge of how to check air quality varies significantly by education level. Among respondents with primary education or below, only 10.8 percent said they know how to check air quality, compared to 63.0 percent among those with postgraduate or higher educational qualifications. Digital monitoring is also more concentrated among younger residents. Among respondents aged 18–24 who actively track air quality, 60.3 percent use websites and 42.5 percent use mobile applications.

However, these figures represent only 14.1 percent and 10.0 percent respectively of the entire 18–24 age group, highlighting the prevalence of behavior where no research or monitoring is done. Motor vehicle and transport emissions were identified by 98.6 percent of respondents as the main source of air pollution, while 94.8 percent pointed to road construction dust as a significant contributor.

Public support for institutional measures to address air pollution is also strong. 79.9 percent of respondents support expanded public transport and electric mobility, while 71.5 percent expressed support for strict dust control measures and urban greening. Additionally, 70.4 percent expressed dissatisfaction with government efforts to reduce air pollution.

Regarding protecting themselves from air pollution, 82.0 percent of respondents said they rely on surgical masks or scarves. However, 43.4 percent said they have not taken any personal steps to protect themselves from air pollution. Air pollution may also be contributing to pressure to leave the valley. Among the 7.2 percent of respondents considering leaving the Kathmandu Valley, 39.1 percent cited poor air quality as a factor, ranking second after economic pressure and inflation (47.8 percent).

Call to Bridge the Information Gap

Roshni Giri, Executive Director of Taza Initiative Nepal, said:

“The survey data shows a serious disconnect. Four out of five residents say the air is harmful to their health, yet most people are forced to rely on their own senses rather than science to understand the air they breathe. Six out of ten people do not know how to check pollution levels.”

Giri added that Taza Initiative Nepal is committed to bridging this information gap by making air quality data more accessible, understandable, and actionable for residents of the Kathmandu Valley. Based on the findings, the next phase of Taza Initiative Nepal will focus on transforming concern into knowledge and action through expanded air quality research across the valley, accessible data platforms, and stronger air quality literacy programs. The organization’s goal is to provide residents with reliable and understandable information that can help them better understand pollution levels, make informed decisions, and engage more meaningfully in efforts to improve air quality.