Vehicular emissions and policy implications for Nepal

Background

Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to Nepal’s total emissions, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. Various studies conducted in the valley show that vehicular emissions contribute to a significant proportion of the pollution load and ambient air pollution. However, most previous studies on emissions are based on old emission factors from different regions of the world. This complicates the preparation of emission inventories for Hindu Kush Himalayan countries, causing either overestimation or underestimation.

The Atmospheric Watch Initiative, under ICIMOD’s Regional Programme on Atmosphere, is collaborating with the Central Department of Environmental Science (CDES) to understand the emission of vehicular pollutants in Nepal. A pilot study was recently conducted on diesel vehicles in the valley, estimating the emission factors of diesel vehicles. This will help develop a novel, updated inventory of emissions from diesel vehicles – incorporating local estimates and reflecting the situation on the ground – which could support policy making.

About the workshop

Given the significance of diesel vehicle emissions and their contribution to Kathmandu’s air quality, the study aimed to understand emission factors and support the preparation of the emission inventory. It found, for instance, that vehicular emissions reduced after general servicing of vehicles (change of engine oil, oil filter, diesel filter, and air filter).

The online half-day workshop will focus on the dissemination of the study’s preliminary findings and discuss the way forward to produce the inventory and influence policy. Relevant stakeholders including representatives from Nepal government institutions (Department of Environment and Department of Transport Management), private sector entities, academic institutions, and civil society will participate in the workshop.