Kathmandu. Although most of the residents of Kathmandu Valley consider air pollution to be harmful to health, the number of people who use scientific and official data to know about air quality is very low.

A new survey conducted by Tast Initiative Nepal among 1,200 residents of the Kathmandu Valley shows this situation. According to the survey, 81.2 percent of the respondents said that air pollution in the valley ranges from ‘harmful’ to ‘extremely harmful’ to ‘very harmful’ to health. However, 94.1 percent of those who check air quality rely on their own sensory experiences such as smell, visibility and eye irritation rather than official statistics or monitoring systems.

Established in 2026, Tast Initiative Nepal is a non-profit organization focused on research, air quality monitoring, and promoting evidence-based solutions to reduce air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. The findings of the survey have been made public with the inauguration of the organization.

Of those surveyed, 52.3 per cent rated their local air quality as “poor” to “very poor”.

Among the major urban areas, the negative perception of air quality is highest among the residents of Lalitpur. In Lalitpur, 60.9 percent of the respondents, 59.2 percent in Kathmandu and 56 percent in Bhaktapur said that the local air quality is poor. In North Kathmandu, the number of people who hold this opinion is 35.9 percent.

The survey shows that information on how to test air quality varies significantly by educational level.

Only 10.8 per cent of respondents with primary education or less said they knew how to check air quality. For those with a master’s degree or above, the rate was 63 per cent.

The trend of monitoring air quality through digital means is comparatively higher among the younger generation. Among the respondents in the age group of 18 to 24 years who actively monitor air quality, 60.3 per cent said they use websites and 42.5 per cent use mobile apps. However, this number is only 14.1 per cent and 10 per cent of all respondents in that age group, respectively.

98.6 per cent of those surveyed said that smoke emitted from motor vehicles and transport is the main source of air pollution. Similarly, 94.8 per cent pointed to dust from road construction as an important cause of air pollution.

The survey also found significant support for government and institutional initiatives to control air pollution. 79.9 per cent supported the expansion of public transport and electric mobility, while 71.5 per cent voted in favour of stricter dust control and the promotion of urban greenery.

However, 70.4 per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with the government’s efforts to reduce air pollution.

To avoid air pollution, 82 percent of the respondents said that they use a surgical mask or scarf. However, 43.4 percent said that they do not take any personal measures to protect themselves from pollution.

The survey indicated that air pollution is also affecting the thinking of leaving the Kathmandu Valley. Of the 7.2 percent of the respondents who are considering leaving the Valley, 39.1 percent cited poor air quality as one of the reasons. Financial pressures and inflation have been cited as the reason, however.

Roshani Giri, executive director of Taaza Initiative Nepal, said the survey has revealed that there is a huge gap between public concern and reliable information about air pollution.

“The survey data shows a serious breakdown. Four out of five residents say the air is harmful to health. But most people rely on their senses rather than scientific data to understand the state of the air they breathe,” she said.

According to Dr Giri, the organization will work to make the data on air quality more accessible, understandable and useful to the Kathmandu Valley residents.

Based on the findings of the survey, Tast Initiative Nepal plans to expand air quality research throughout the Kathmandu Valley in the coming phase, develop an accessible data platform and conduct air quality awareness and literacy programs.

By providing reliable and easily understandable air quality information, the organization aims to enable citizens to understand the state of pollution, make informed decisions, and participate meaningfully in efforts to improve air quality.