Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The World Bank has approved a loan of Rs 7.07 billion to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in Nepal.

According to the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, the amount has been approved for the operation of the ‘Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project’ in the Kathmandu Valley and some parts of the Terai, where there is a high risk of air pollution.

Under the project, around 400 industrial and commercial enterprises will be made smoke-free.

The project will be implemented through the Department of Industry under the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Forest and Environment as well as the Department of Environment, according to a press release issued by the NRB today.