KATHMANDU: Air pollution in Kathmandu continues to be a significant concern.
According to the ‘Air Quality Index’ (AQI) measurement taken at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Kathmandu is ranked second globally for air pollution.
Currently, Delhi, India, holds the first position for air pollution, while Lahore, Pakistan, is ranked third.
As of the latest data, Kathmandu’s AQI stands at 204, while Delhi, at the top, has an AQI of 249.
Lahore, ranked third, has an AQI of 202. Although air quality has slightly improved with winds in the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday, the overall danger persists.
Doctors have warned that the air quality in Kathmandu has reached levels harmful to human health in recent days.
Experts attribute the high pollution levels to a combination of accumulated dust in the sky, due to a prolonged dry period, and smoke from nearby forest fires.
The Ministry of Health has issued warnings, urging citizens to remain cautious as Nepal’s air quality continues to rank among the most unhealthy in the world.
Health experts recommend that people avoid outdoor activities during the morning and evening hours to minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an AQI below 35 is considered safe for human health, with 50 being the threshold for normal air quality. AQI values above 50 are deemed unhealthy. Specifically:
AQI of 51–100: “Be cautious” (yellow)
AQI of 101–150: Risk for people with respiratory and heart conditions
AQI of 151–200: Unhealthy for everyone
AQI of 201–300: Very unhealthy
AQI of 301–400: Hazardous
AQI of 401–450: Extremely hazardous
The Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley (2076 BS) states that when the AQI exceeds 300, it will be considered a disaster situation.
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