KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley continues to grapple with severe air pollution, currently ranking second globally in terms of poor air quality.
As of 5:45 a.m. Monday, data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) shows that Kathmandu recorded an AQI of 213. This level falls within the category of air quality that poses serious health risks.
The Indian capital Delhi is at the top of the list with an AQI of 260, while Lahore, Pakistan, follows Kathmandu in third place with an AQI of 206.
Health professionals have raised concerns, warning that the air in Kathmandu has reached dangerous levels over the past several days.
Experts attribute this spike in pollution to the ongoing dry spell and forest fires around the Valley, which have caused a buildup of dust and smoke in the atmosphere.
In light of the worsening situation, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to exercise caution, highlighting that Nepal is currently facing one of the worst air quality conditions globally.
Medical experts recommend minimizing time spent outdoors, especially during the early morning and evening, when pollution levels tend to rise.
According to WHO guidelines, an AQI under 35 is considered safe for human health, while an AQI up to 50 is still acceptable.
51–100 is labeled as a “cautionary” level.
101–150 can impact people with existing heart or respiratory issues.
151–200 is unhealthy.
201–300 is very unhealthy.
301–400 is hazardous, and
401–450 is deemed extremely hazardous.
Under the Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan (2076 BS), AQI levels above 300 are officially treated as a public health emergency.
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