Context:

The visibility of the Himalayas has significantly deteriorated due to severe air pollution, primarily caused by vehicular and industrial emissions, dust, and smoke from fires, exacerbated by climate change. This haze has become more intense and longer-lasting, affecting tourism as visitors struggle to view the mountains, which once drew many trekkers and sightseers to Nepal and surrounding regions. The tourism industry has been adversely affected, with businesses reporting a noticeable decline in visitors, as many have to compensate tourists for not being able to see the peaks. The haze, which lingers due to prolonged dry seasons and infrequent rainfall, is a growing problem across South Asia, affecting public health and travel. Experts warn that the Himalayas are likely the most impacted mountain range worldwide due to their location in a densely populated and polluted area, with the situation expected to worsen if current trends continue.

Dive Deeper:

• Severe air pollution in the region, caused by emissions from vehicles and industries, dust from construction, and smoke from fires, is creating a persistent haze that obscures the view of the Himalayas, drastically reducing visibility even during traditionally clear seasons like spring and autumn.

• The tourism industry, heavily reliant on visitors seeking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, is suffering as the haze often prevents tourists from seeing the mountains, leading to a decline in business and necessitating compensation for disappointed visitors.

• Increased haze conditions, linked to climate change, result from longer dry seasons and infrequent rainfall, which trap pollutants in the atmosphere and prevent their dispersion, thereby prolonging the period during which haze obscures the mountains.

• Tourism operators across Nepal, India, and Pakistan report significant challenges as once-visible mountain ranges are now hidden by the haze, with some operators considering changing professions due to the reduced business opportunities.

• Public health in South Asia is severely impacted by the toxic air, which frequently disrupts travel and forces school closures, with the region consistently ranking high in global air pollution levels.

• Haze and dust storms are on the rise in South Asia, with the number of hazy days increasing significantly over recent years, as shown by data from Nepal's department of hydrology and meteorology.

• Experts believe the Himalayas are among the worst-affected mountain ranges globally, given their proximity to densely populated and heavily polluted areas, and warn that the iconic views of these mountains may soon be limited to photographs and postcards if current pollution trends continue.