KATHMANDU: Air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley have decreased, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 99 this afternoon.
The Valley’s AQI had reached 191 last Tuesday before declining to 114 at the same time on Wednesday. The Department of Environment attributed the improvement to increased wind speed, which has helped disperse pollutants.
According to AQI rankings, Kathmandu, which was listed as the third most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, has fallen to 18th place today. Currently, Lahore tops the list with an AQI of 373, followed by Kolkata with an AQI of 186.
Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanraj Subedi, said pollution levels typically rise during dry weather and decrease with rain and wind.
“Rain helps settle dust and airborne particles, and stronger winds disperse pollution,” he said, adding that the department has urged concerned authorities to effectively implement sustainable and environment-friendly development measures.
Environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar emphasized the need for timely preparedness, proper leaf litter management, forest fire control, regular vehicle emission testing, and strict enforcement of environmental standards.
According to AQI standards, a reading of 0–50 is considered ‘good’ (green), 51–100 ‘moderate’ or ‘be alert’ (yellow), and 101–150 ‘unhealthy,’ which can particularly affect individuals with respiratory and heart conditions. Levels between 151–200 are deemed ‘unhealthy for all,’ 201–300 ‘very unhealthy,’ and readings above 300 are classified as ‘hazardous,’ Tuladhar noted.
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