KATHMANDU: Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has been severe for the past week. According to air quality measurements by IQAir, Kathmandu is currently the world’s most polluted city.
At present, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu is 193, which falls into the “unhealthy” category.
This is a slight improvement from the previous day. Wuhan, China, which is the second most polluted city, has an AQI of 166.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: an AQI of 0 to 50 is considered good and healthy for all; 51 to 100 is moderate; 101 to 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151 to 200 is unhealthy; 201 to 300 is very unhealthy; and anything above 301 is hazardous and dangerous for health.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has been urging the public to stay indoors during times of high pollution, only venturing outside for essential tasks.
This caution is especially important during the months of April, May and June, when the risk of fires and further air pollution is particularly high.
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