Addressing Winter Woes

Every winter, residents of the Kathmandu Valley encounter several challenges that significantly affect their wellbeing. Due to harsh climatic conditions and a lack of adequate support, individuals often experience complications such as severe colds, hypothermia, and respiratory diseases. Furthermore, rising air pollution has led to serious health risks, with some cases resulting in fatalities.

It is seen that a large number of families in Nepal does not possess sufficient insulation and heating arrangements. These structures are largely made from raw concrete, and with very little insulation, they afford the inhabitants very little protection from cold. People end up using logs or anything that they find to heat the house, hence developing indoor air pollution and increasing the chance of developing respiratory diseases. The lack of central heating with open fires increases the rate of health problems as well as fire incidents.

In winter, air pollution in Kathmandu doubles, which makes the already crowded city a very unhealthy for its residents. Research indicates that the environmental conditions in the Kathmandu Valley significantly contribute to the thick smog prevalent in the region, primarily due to its geographical features.  Air pollution levels rise to alarming levels, posing potential dangers to human health. 

The main contributors to this issue are vehicle emissions, ongoing industrialisation, dust emanating from poorly built and managed roads and an increased tendency to burn biomass and garbage. These pollutants create toxic air, which worsens during the winter season when low temperatures prevent the toxic gases from dispersing into the atmosphere.

This time of year is particularly hazardous to health due to poor air quality. Respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD are increasingly prevalent among patients admitted to hospitals in the city and surrounding areas. 

Cold weather again places additional strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to a higher risk of heart-related ailments. The populations most at risk include the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. For these groups, even minimal exposure to extreme winter cold or poor air quality can lead to serious health problems.

The harsh cold of winter can be deadly, especially in areas that are already facing resource shortages. For example, in Nepal's Karnali province, which is still dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake, the situation has become critical. Temporary structures provide minimal insulation from the cold, and as temperatures drop, the people face a harsh condition. In some cases, the freezing conditions results in death. 

Although in some areas, especially in the Tarai, Nepal Police and Nepali Army distribute firewood to make fire so that the people keep themselves warm. But this is not environment-friendly and a permanent solution to the problems of cold.  This highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, better access to medical care, and pollution control measures to alleviate the suffering of marginalised and poor people during winter.

Natural disasters have made the situation worse. On November 25, 2023, the Jajarkot and West Rukum districts of Karnali Province were struck by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which caused significant damage. The survivors were left with minimal resources for proper shelter, forcing them to endure the cold winter in makeshift tents. Tragically, at least 12 people, including children, lost their lives due to cold-related ailments in Jajarkot district following the earthquake. 

As it is observed, the energy structure fails to cater to the additional power requirements during the winter in Nepal. Even though proposals to purchase extra energy from neighbouring country are being implemented, the supply problems remain acute with blackouts occurring quite often. These conditions make residents seek other sources of heat that may be hazardous to their health and worsen their general health conditions.

Improving building construction and insulation can significantly help keep interiors warm and reduce the risk of cold exposure by allowing people to stay indoors instead of making fires for warmth. Additionally, reducing emissions, enforcing strict emissions standards, promoting the use of clean energy, and enhancing waste management practices can all contribute to lowering pollution levels. Strengthening healthcare services is also crucial to prepare medical facilities for the anticipated increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases during this period.

Of course, the winter season in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal presents challenges that can affect public health and safety. These challenges include inadequate housing, high levels of air pollution, energy crises, and the impacts of natural disasters, all of which leave many residents in vulnerable positions. Addressing these issues will require the collaborative efforts of the government, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to develop and implement sustainable solutions that can alleviate the difficulties faced during the winter months.