Partnering for Cleaner Air: Expanding Nepal’s Monitoring Network with Clean Energy Nepal

Nepal faces unique air quality challenges due to its diverse geography, growing urban centers, and industrial development. Reliable air quality data is crucial to help communities understand pollution levels and drive action for cleaner air.

Clean Energy Nepal (CEN) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable energy solutions, improving air quality, and building climate resilience across Nepal. Through research, policy advocacy, and community engagement for 25 years, CEN has empowered local communities to tackle air pollution and its health impacts.

To strengthen Nepal’s air quality data network, to support the review and make the local and national air quality management plan and action, and to support in making of the low-cost sensor guideline, CEN is deploying 21 air quality sensors in key urban and industrial areas across all seven provinces. This expanded network covers cities from the Himalayan region to the country’s hilly and valley regions (east to west of Nepal), providing real-time air quality information to communities that previously lacked reliable monitoring.

A sensor being installed in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City

The Swachha Hawa Pariyojana funded by the EPIC University of Chicago represents a collective effort to strengthen air quality governance in Nepal through evidence-based action, local ownership, inclusive participation and fulfilling the data gaps. By installing low-cost air sensors across provinces, engaging municipal officials, and empowering youth through technical training, the initiative is building a foundation for data-driven decision-making and cleaner, healthier cities. Through collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and communities, this project is not only generating vital air quality data but also inspiring a new culture of accountability and shared responsibility for clean air in Nepal.

AirGradient is proud to support this effort by providing five additional air quality monitors to expand the network. These sensors will help extend coverage to more communities and ensure robust, trustworthy data through collocations with advanced monitoring stations for calibration.

A youth training conducted by Clean Energy Nepal engaging 20 young participants to learn about air pollution, sensor operation, and the objectives of the air quality monitoring project

With better access to air quality information, communities, researchers, and policymakers can take informed steps to reduce pollution, advocate for stronger clean air policies, and protect public health. We are excited to work with partners like Clean Energy Nepal, who share our mission of making accurate, affordable air quality monitoring accessible where it’s needed most.

To learn more about Clean Energy Nepal and its work, visit www.cen.org.np.