The grant will be used to develop a prioritized program to sustain air quality in Kabul which will then be made available to develop similar programs in other cities in that war-torn country.

Deteriorating air quality in Kabul, caused most likely by vehicle emissions and smoke fires, is taking a toll on public health and welfare and poses a significant burden in the form of resultant economic and social costs, the ADB said.

"The configuration of the landscape and cold climate exacerbates the situation," the ADB said, adding that the poor especially elderly and infants, are most at risk.

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