Air pollution levels worsen across seven locations in Nepal

Kathmandu, February 26 — The air quality in Kathmandu Valley and six other locations across Nepal has deteriorated, reaching unhealthy levels.

According to the Department of Environment's records from Wednesday afternoon at 2 PM, air quality in seven locations, including four in the Kathmandu Valley, has been deemed unhealthy.

The affected areas include Shankhapark, Khumaltar, Bhainsepati, and Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley, along with Dhulikhel in Kavre, Bharatpur in Chitwan, and Dhangadhi in Kailali.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas ranges from 114 to 181.

Specifically, Shankhapark recorded an AQI of 157, Khumaltar had an AQI of 114, Bhainsepati's AQI reached 181, and Bhaktapur's AQI was 114. Similarly, Dhangadhi's AQI stood at 150, Bharatpur's AQI at 151, and Dhulikhel's AQI at 117.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards, an AQI of up to 50 is considered "healthy."

An AQI between 101 and 150 is categorized as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

When the AQI reaches 201 to 300, it is considered "very unhealthy," and anything above that is deemed "hazardous."