The national environmental protection agency (NEPA) of Afghanistan has reported a tripling of air pollution levels in the capital city over the past week. According to TOLO News, airborne particles and climate change have been identified as significant factors exacerbating the worsening air quality.
NEPA highlighted its efforts to combat the escalating pollution crisis but expressed its inability to effectively address the issue due to a lack of adequate equipment. Basir Amin, the inspection control officer of NEPA, stated, "Our data, collected over the last few days, indicates a substantial increase in pollution levels beyond the standard air quality set by the World Health Organization, particularly concerning dust and airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 cubic meters."
Disturbingly, Kabul residents have reported a surge in health problems, particularly among children, due to the deteriorating air quality. Tariq Habibzai, a resident, shared his concerns, saying, "The air is really polluted, causing various issues for Kabul residents, including breathing problems and the spread of diseases." Noorullhaq Shams, another resident, urged the Islamic Emirate to crack down on businesses and investors using poor materials that contribute to pollution.
Sayed Qayum Hashemi, an environmental expert, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the creation of green areas within cities and establish green belts consisting of trees and perennial plants around urban centers to combat air pollution effectively.
