Kathmandu faces severe air pollution

KATHMANDU: In recent days, the Kathmandu Valley has been grappling with severe air pollution.

According to air quality measurements taken at 9 AM today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu has surged to 309, making it the most polluted city globally.

In the air pollution rankings, India’s capital Delhi stands at second place with an AQI of 184, while Lahore in Pakistan ranks third with an AQI of 181.

Health experts have stated that the air in Kathmandu has reached hazardous levels for human health.

Although recent winds have helped reduce some of the pollution, the overall situation remains critical.

The persistent lack of rainfall and ongoing forest fires around the valley have led to the accumulation of dust and smoke, obscuring the sky.

Experts have concluded that this is the primary reason for the severe deterioration of air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an AQI below 35 is considered safe for health.

Here’s what different AQI levels indicate:

0-50: Good (Normal)

51-100: Moderate (Caution advised)

101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (Affects those with respiratory and heart conditions)

151-200: Unhealthy (Affects everyone)

201-300: Very Unhealthy

301-400: Hazardous

401-450: Very Hazardous

Kathmandu’s current AQI of 309 falls into the “Hazardous” category, posing significant health risks to people of all age groups.

In response, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to stay vigilant and advised avoiding outdoor activities, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Special caution has been requested for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the Air Quality Management Plan implemented in 2019, if Kathmandu’s AQI exceeds 300, it should be considered a disaster, triggering emergency measures to protect public health.