Kathmandu ranks fifth among world’s most polluted cities today

KATHMANDU: With the onset of extreme cold, air pollution levels in Kathmandu Valley have surged significantly.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the valley’s pollution level today is measured at 205 AQI, making Kathmandu the fifth most polluted city in the world.

Lahore, Pakistan, tops the list with an AQI of 341, followed by Kolkata, India, at 248, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at 238, and New Delhi, India, at 227.

Environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar explains that air pollution tends to worsen during the winter months because cold weather traps air close to the ground for extended periods, preventing pollutants from dispersing.

This condition is further exacerbated by practices such as burning waste, tires, and firewood, which release additional pollutants into the atmosphere.

The effects of air pollution on public health become increasingly severe as AQI levels rise.

An AQI of 0 to 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is moderate. Levels between 101 and 150 pose health risks to sensitive groups, and readings from 151 to 200 are classified as unhealthy for everyone.

When AQI levels exceed 200, the situation is considered very unhealthy, with significant health implications for the general population.

To address this growing crisis, the Air Quality Management Action Plan (2019) emphasizes the need for immediate measures, including halting waste burning, cleaning roads with mechanical sweepers and vacuum cleaners, and issuing public alerts to protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Long-term strategies outlined in the National Environmental Policy (2019) include establishing air, water, and noise quality monitoring centers in major cities and industrial areas, mapping pollution levels regularly, and preventing the release of hazardous chemical pollutants.

As air pollution in Kathmandu Valley continues to pose a serious threat to public health, it underscores the urgency of both immediate actions and sustained efforts to mitigate environmental risks.