KATHMANDU: In a stark revelation, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has been identified as the most polluted city globally, based on Tuesday morning’s data.

As of 9:00 am, Kathmandu’s air quality has been classified as “very unhealthy,” with PM2.5 levels reaching a concerning 181 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).

PM2.5, the primary airborne pollutant comprising solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, poses severe health risks.

Data from IQ AirVisual, a Swiss organization specializing in global air-quality information, indicates that Kathmandu’s PM2.5 concentration surpasses the annual air quality guideline value set by the World Health Organization (WHO) by a staggering 22.7 times.

Understanding the Severity of Air Pollution in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, a city located in Nepal, is home to many ethnic groups, with Hinduism and Buddhism being the main religions.

It serves as the cultural and economic hub of Nepal, undergoing rapid growth.

However, this growth has brought about a spike in pollution levels, exacerbated by the aftermath of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015.

The resulting destruction has left many areas in ruins, contributing to increased dust and particulate matter in the air.

In 2019, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 reading of 48 μg/m³, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category.

Monthly readings varied, with January registering an alarming 102.7 μg/m³, indicating hazardous air quality levels. These consistently high pollution levels raise concerns about public health in the city.

Identifying Key Sources of Pollution

Several factors contribute to elevated pollution levels in Kathmandu.

The city’s geographical location, surrounded by mountains, traps pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues.

Additionally, the influx of vehicles, many of which are outdated and emit high levels of pollutants, significantly contributes to air pollution.

Open burning of organic material and inadequate waste management infrastructure further worsen the situation.

Types of Pollutants in Kathmandu

Pollutants in Kathmandu primarily stem from combustion sources, including fine particulate matter such as black carbon emitted by vehicles and organic material.

Other pollutants from vehicular emissions include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide.

Seasonal Variation in Pollution Levels

Data from 2019 reveals that pollution levels in Kathmandu peak during the beginning and end of the year, with January recording the highest PM2.5 readings.

Conversely, August exhibits the cleanest air quality, indicating seasonal variation in pollution levels.

Trends in Air Quality Improvement

Assessing trends in air quality improvement proves challenging due to fluctuating pollution levels.

While there was a slight improvement in PM2.5 readings from 2018 to 2019, compared to 2017, overall air quality has declined.

Future years will determine whether Kathmandu can achieve sustained improvements in air quality through measures such as reducing diesel vehicle usage and curbing open burning.

As Kathmandu navigates its economic growth, addressing environmental challenges remains paramount to safeguarding public health and mitigating pollution levels.