Kathmandu ranks seventh among most polluted cities worldwide

KATHMANDU: In a concerning revelation, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has secured its position among the seventh most polluted cities globally, grappling with hazardous levels of air pollution.

Unhealthy Air Quality Index

As of 2:00 pm today, the air quality in Kathmandu has been declared unhealthy, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 161 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3).

This unsettling data comes from IQ AirVisual, a Swiss organization specializing in global air-quality information. PM2.5, the primary airborne pollutant consisting of solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, has become a major area of concern.

Excessive PM2.5 Concentration

The current PM2.5 concentration in Kathmandu is a staggering 15.1 times higher than the annual air quality guideline value set by the World Health Organization (WHO), as reported by IQAir. This worrisome level underscores the severity of the air pollution crisis, posing significant health risks to the residents of the city.

As Kathmandu grapples with this alarming air quality scenario, urgent measures and collective efforts are imperative to address the root causes of pollution and safeguard the well-being of its inhabitants.

Authorities and citizens alike are urged to collaborate in implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.