Pollution preventing efforts and strategies for the Kathmandu valley

The Kathmandu valley, nestled in the midst of the mighty Himalaya, is one of the worth visiting places in the world. Unplanned urbanization, increasing population, polluting vehicles and industries have started degrading the environment in the valley. Centralized development activities in the last two decades resulted in undesirable environmental change. If the current trend continues, valley will loose its importance. Realizing the importance of healthy environment, His Majesty's Government of Nepal has formed the Environment Protection Council under the chairmanship of Prime Minister to formulate environmental planning and policies. Over two dozen active NGOs are involved in environmental awareness and management in the Kathmandu valley. Some major steps have been undertaken by GOs and NGOs. Present paper deals with the state of pollution, efforts made to minimize it, and major actions/strategies for preventing pollution in the Kathmandu valley.