KATHMANDU: Nepal has been ranked as the second most polluted country in the world, according to the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir.
The country’s air pollution has reached extremely unhealthy levels due to prolonged dry weather and lack of rainfall.
India tops the list of the most polluted countries. In Nepal, the worst air quality was recorded this morning in the Deukhuri area of Dang, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) measured 192, according to the Department of Environment.
Other areas with extremely unhealthy air quality include Dhangadhi and Bhaktapur, as well as Shankha Park and Ratna Park in Kathmandu.
In Lalitpur, Khumaltar and Bhaisepati areas have also recorded alarming levels of pollution.
The rising pollution levels have sparked public health concerns, as experts warn of potential respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, especially among vulnerable groups.
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