KATHMANDU: Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, finds itself once more holding the unenviable title of the second most polluted city globally in terms of air quality.

The latest data from the ‘Air Quality Index’ reveals an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 163, painting a grim picture of the air residents are breathing.

Just last Thursday, the AQI stood at 168, signaling a concerning trend.

The situation worsened on Wednesday, with the AQI spiking to 195.

While there was a slight reprieve on Saturday, with the AQI dropping to 185, the overarching issue remains.

India’s capital New Delhi clinches the unenviable top spot with an AQI of 245, while Beijing of China, follows as the third most polluted city globally.

Forest fires raging across the country, coupled with rising temperatures and the dry season, exacerbate the situation.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s struggle to contain these fires amplifies pollution levels, particularly in urban centers like Kathmandu Valley, rendering the air hazardous.

The Department of Environment has issued a cautionary advisory, emphasizing the heightened pollution risk during February to May.

Natural factors like temperature spikes, low humidity, and dry conditions, alongside human activities such as waste and agricultural residue burning, contribute significantly.

Additionally, pollutants from factories, vehicles, and construction further degrade air quality.