Crime and Pollution in Kathmandu

Crime Data in Kathmandu

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Kathmandu exhibits relatively moderate crime levels based on recent data, with concerns primarily revolving around minor property crimes and corruption.

People feel fairly safe when navigating the city during daylight, but there remain underlying concerns about systemic issues such as corruption.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - While property crimes such as theft remain a concern for Kathmandu's residents, the general perception is that they are not as severe as in other urban centers.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related problems in Kathmandu are not viewed as a prominent concern. However, awareness and preventative measures remain important to prevent future escalation.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes, including assault and robbery, are notably low among residents, providing a sense of relative safety.
• Public Safety - During the day, Kathmandu's streets are perceived as safe, with high confidence among residents about their personal safety. However, during nighttime, there's a mild increase in caution.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime rates are increasing is not prevalent in Kathmandu, reflecting stability in crime-related concerns among its residents.
• Specific Fears - Despite an overall feeling of safety, some individuals report fears of being targeted due to their race, ethnicity, or religion, underscoring the importance of community cohesion and tolerance.

Summary of Crime in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's crime landscape remains manageable, with the need for continued attention to corruption and community-based safety measures to sustain current safety perceptions.

Crime Rankings

Kathmandu ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Nepal. The crime ranking by city for Nepal is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Kathmandu

Nepal

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Kathmandu faces significant pollution challenges in 2024, particularly related to air quality, which is a critical concern due to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10.

The city's residents express deep dissatisfaction with air quality, citing potential health impacts associated with prolonged exposure to pollution.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Kathmandu are high, posing serious health risks, emphasizing the necessity for strategies to combat air pollution, especially for at-risk groups.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 concentrations exceed acceptable norms, contributing to Kathmandu's alarming pollution index. These levels are influenced by urban activities and require immediate attention.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management in Kathmandu is seen unfavorably, with many residents dissatisfied with garbage disposal and overall cleanliness, affecting the city's image.

While noise pollution is less severe than other issues, it remains a part of the urban experience in various parts of the city.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Challenges in efficient garbage disposal contribute to Kathmandu's cleanliness concerns, necessitating improvements in waste management systems.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise levels, although less of a priority, still affect urban living, reflecting the need for better planning and regulation.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Assessments of Kathmandu's green spaces indicate a lack of quality recreational areas, which impacts residents' satisfaction and urban environmental health.

Although there are notable concerns about water pollution, there remains a pressing need for improvements in water quality and availability.

• Green and Parks Quality - The city's green spaces receive unfavorable ratings, highlighting the necessity for investments in public parks and recreational infrastructure.
• Drinking Water Quality - The quality of drinking water in Kathmandu raises concerns, suggesting that improvements in water treatment and supply are vital for public health.

Pollution Rankings

Kathmandu ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Nepal. The pollution ranking for Nepal is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Kathmandu

Nepal