Nepal, April 17 -- The Department of Environment has announced plans to intensify inspections of vehicles and industries in an effort to curb rising pollution levels.

According to the department, air pollution in Nepal tends to spike between Mangsir and Jestha (mid-November to mid-June), primarily due to emissions from vehicles and factories, ongoing construction activities, open burning of waste, and smoke from households.

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Director General Gyanraj Subedi said that the Department will strictly monitor and regulate pollution sources and immediately implement mitigation measures.

"Last week, pollution levels rose to an emergency level due to prolonged dry weather...