KATHMANDU: The air pollution has continued in the Kathmandu Valley with no signs of abatement for the last seven days due to lack of sufficient winds.
According to Binod Pokharel, Associate Professor at the Central Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under Tribhuvan University, the weather of the Kathmandu Valley looks misty due to dust particles that are present in the air.
“The wind has not blown much even though April has already started. The rain amid thunderstorms are normally expected during April and May. Heavy rains and gushing winds must occur to blow away the air pollution,” said Pokharel.
The sufficient wind has not blown since February 15.
The air quality index (AQI) around this time last year had been 300 to 400. Fortunately, the AQI has not reached that level this year, said Pokharel.
The AQI had gone worse due to wild fires in many places of the country last year.
From zero to 50 AQI is considered normal. AQI above 200 is taken as unhealthy. Currently, the AQI has not reached 200 in the Kathmandu Valley.
Until 10 am on Thursday, the AQI was measured at 172, informed Pokharel.
This air pollution will exist in the air of the Valley until the heavy rain occurs or gusty wind blows.
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