Kathmandu tops world’s pollution list as AQI reaches 193

KATHMANDU: The level of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has remained high for the past week.

Currently, the air quality index (AQI) in the valley has reached 193, which falls under the ‘Unhealthy’ category from a health perspective.

According to the international air quality measurement organization IQAir, Kathmandu has now become the most polluted city in the world, with Wuhan, China, in second place.

The AQI index is considered good between 0 and 50, while anything above 301 is categorized as hazardous. A range between 151 and 200 is labeled ‘Unhealthy,’ and 201 to 300 falls under the ‘Very Unhealthy’ category.

The current AQI of 193 means that residents of Kathmandu, especially the elderly, children, and people with respiratory issues, are forced to live in a high-risk environment.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted a higher likelihood of fires during the months of Chait, Baishakh, and Jestha.

It also mentioned that without rainfall, the level of pollution in the atmosphere is unlikely to decrease. Therefore, the general public is urged to avoid going outside during periods of high pollution unless absolutely necessary.

Causes of Air Pollution in Kathmandu Valley:

1. Vehicular Emissions: The increasing number of vehicles on the roads, particularly old and poorly maintained ones, is a significant contributor to air pollution. These vehicles release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.

2. Industrial Emissions: Factories, brick kilns, and construction sites are major sources of air pollution. Many of these industries burn fossil fuels or use materials that release toxic substances into the air, such as dust, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds.

3. Open Burning of Waste: In many parts of Kathmandu, waste, including plastic, agricultural residue, and other materials, is openly burned. This practice releases dangerous pollutants like dioxins and particulate matter into the air, worsening the air quality.

4. Dust and Construction Activities: Ongoing construction and roadwork in the city stir up dust, adding to the particulate matter in the air. The lack of proper dust control measures during construction worsens the air pollution problem.

5. Forest Fires: During the dry months of Chait, Baishakh, and Jestha, forest fires in the surrounding regions release large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere, further exacerbating pollution levels.

Prevention Measures for Air Pollution:

1. Promote Clean Transportation: Encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs), improving public transport systems, and promoting carpooling can help reduce emissions from private vehicles. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles can ensure they are not emitting excessive pollutants.

2. Regulate Industrial Emissions: Stricter enforcement of regulations on industrial emissions is essential. Industries should be encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies, and regular monitoring of their emissions can prevent unchecked pollution.

3. Ban Open Burning: Strict regulations should be implemented to prevent open burning of waste. Awareness campaigns can educate the public about the harmful effects of this practice, and alternative waste disposal methods should be promoted.

4. Control Dust from Construction Sites: Construction sites should be required to implement dust control measures such as spraying water to reduce airborne dust. Proper coverings for materials and regular site clean-up should also be enforced.

5. Increase Green Spaces: Planting more trees and maintaining green spaces in urban areas can help absorb pollutants, improve air quality, and provide natural sources of oxygen. Urban forestry and green infrastructure should be prioritized in city planning.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of air pollution and how they can help reduce it, such as avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution days, using masks, and supporting clean energy alternatives, can empower people to take action.

7. Strengthen Fire Management: Effective forest fire management, including early detection systems and controlled burns, can reduce the impact of wildfires on air quality. Promoting fire prevention awareness in rural areas is also crucial.

How to Stay Safe During:

1. Limit Outdoor Activities:

   • Avoid outdoor exercises like jogging, walking, or cycling, especially during high pollution periods.

   • If you must go outside, try to limit your time and avoid congested areas where pollution is usually higher, such as busy roads or construction zones.

2. Use Masks:

   • Wear a N95 or N99 mask that can filter out harmful particles from the air. Regular surgical masks and cloth masks are not effective at filtering out fine particulate matter.

   • Masks are particularly important for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

3. Keep Indoor Air Clean:

   • Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak pollution hours, which are typically in the morning and evening.

   • Use an air purifier in your home to reduce the amount of particulate matter and other pollutants inside. Make sure it has a HEPA filter, which is effective at trapping fine particles.

   • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering, especially during high pollution days.

4. Ventilate Your Home at the Right Time:

   • If the air quality improves during the night or in the early morning, open your windows briefly to allow fresh air to circulate.

   • Be sure to monitor the air quality levels using apps or websites that track AQI in real time.

5. Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Health:

   • Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from your body and keep your respiratory system functioning well.

   • Consider using a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist, as dry air can irritate your respiratory system.

6. Limit Exposure to Traffic:

   • If you must travel, use private transportation rather than public transport, where possible, to reduce exposure to highly polluted areas like busy bus stations or crowded public vehicles.

   • Consider traveling during off-peak hours when pollution levels might be lower.

7. Use Air-Conditioning Wisely:

   • If you have air conditioning at home, make sure it’s equipped with a good filter that can reduce pollutants. Keep it running in recirculate mode to avoid bringing in outside air.

8. Monitor Your Health:

   • Keep track of your symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or irritation in your eyes and throat. If you feel unwell, stay indoors and consult a healthcare professional.

   • People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), should be extra cautious and follow their doctor’s advice regarding air pollution exposure.

9. Support Local Efforts:

   • Advocate for policy changes that can improve air quality, such as stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries, better waste management, and the promotion of cleaner energy sources.

   • Support organizations and initiatives that are working to reduce pollution in your area.