KATHMANDU: Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has dropped significantly following recent rainfall.
According to Air Quality Index (AQI) data, Kathmandu ranked as the second most polluted city in the world just a week ago, with pollution levels reaching 178 AQI. However, by Sunday, the level had fallen to 60 AQI, placing the city at 67th position globally.
As per AQI standards, a reading of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, while 51–100 falls under the ‘moderate’ or ‘be aware’ category. Levels between 101–150 are deemed ‘unhealthy’, particularly for people with respiratory and heart conditions. Similarly, 151–200 is considered ‘unhealthy for all’, 201–300 ‘very unhealthy’, and above 300 ‘hazardous’.
The Department of Environment attributed the improvement to rainfall and wind activity on Friday and Saturday. It explained that rain helps settle dust and airborne pollutants, while wind disperses them, leading to cleaner air.
According to the Department, if there is no rain for a long time and the weather remains dry, dust particles accumulate in the atmosphere.
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