Air pollution reaches year’s peak, likely to worsen with uncontrolled wildfires

KATHMANDU: The air pollution in Nepal has soared to its highest level of the year, primarily due to widespread wildfires across the country.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu’s AQI has surged to 265, placing it at the top of the global list of the most polluted cities.

Just a day ago, on Tuesday, the federal capital recorded an AQI of 200.

Environmentalists and meteorologists are expressing serious concerns, warning that the air quality may deteriorate further if the bushfires continue unabated across several regions of the country.

Tara Dutta Bhatta, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Environment, highlighted the sudden spike in air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, attributing it to the escalating incidents of wildfires.

He stressed the urgent need for coordination among all stakeholders to effectively control these forest fires.

“The pollution levels are escalating steadily. If the AQI hits 300, the government must declare a state of emergency,” Bhatta emphasized.

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