April 19: In a bid to combat air pollution, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has formed a Civil Society Network, comprising 10 wards within the metropolis.

The network aimed at creating public awareness at the community level against air pollution comprises people's representatives and civil society representatives from wards no 12, 13, 14, 15, 17,18,19, 20 and 25 that touch the Bishnumati River. 

The 11-member team headed by Niru Maharjan has Papul Sapkota and Pawan Prasad Gorkhali as network’s Vice-chair and Secretary respectively. Other members include Govind Shrestha, Swit Thapa, Sarita Bajracharya, Anesh Chitrakar, Nanihera Dangol, Kamal Kafle, and Gauri Devkota. 

An Advisory Committee comprising Sagar Prajapati, Kripa Sherpa and Bibhuti Manandhar as its members has also been formed.  Kathmandu Metropolis Environment Committee Coordinator Balkrishna Maharjan said the network will discourage  the locals to burn wastes and plastic.

The network will launch a special sanitation drive at the community level and initiate door-to-door programme to minimize household pollution. 

Similarly, the network will sit for regular discussions and advise the concerned authorities about measures to improve the air quality.  Air pollution is increasing due to forest fires, rising number of vehicles, among others, in the Kathmandu valley lately.