Kabul residents anxious over severe air pollution level

Kabul, Dec 12 (FN Agency) Residents of Kabul have expressed their concern over the increasing number of patients suffering from respiratory illness, as the pollution levels spiralled in the city. The level of air pollution in the capital city of Afghanistan rise during Winter season due to the use of cheap fuels. “Pollution is increasing in Kabul, and it is very dangerous, creating many problems and illness,” Noor Gul, a resident was quoted as saying by TOLOnews. Government and private hospitals’ health workers are also anxious over the rising air pollution level in Kabul and also confirmed a rise in patients with respiratory illness as winter approaches.

“The diseases related to pollution are growing and many patients are coming to hospitals,” said Tankeen, a doctor. On the other hand, municipality officials in Kabul have also urged the residents to cooperate with them in reducing the level of pollution. Hamdullah Nomani, deputy Mayor of Kabul, said “This is our responsibility, and we will continue our efforts, so we ask people to kindly cooperate with us.” The concerns come as the Islamic Emirate has not assigned anyone to head the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA), it said. Citizens are mostly using coal, plastic and other cheap fuels in the capital city, which harms the lives of residents, it added.