Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Remains Unhealthy Amid Lack of Rain and Wind

Kathmandu. The air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has reached an unhealthy level again today. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley was measured at 192 AQI until noon today.

On Sunday, the air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley was measured at 175 AQI. The Department of Environment stated that the pollution, which rose to 192 AQI on Tuesday, has not decreased today either.

Department Director General Gyanraj Subedi stated that due to the prolonged lack of rain and wind, pollutants have been accumulating in the atmosphere. "The valley is shaped like a bowl; when there is no wind and no rain, the pollution here cannot move elsewhere. Dust and smoke remain suspended in the air," he said. "Furthermore, the operation of industries and factories, along with ongoing rapid development construction activities, have also contributed to the increase in pollution. This industrial smoke, dust, and pollution entering from across the border have affected the air quality."

He added that the level of pollution could increase further until it rains. He also mentioned that suggestions have been given to the relevant bodies to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly development measures.

According to disaster management expert Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, 0 to 50 AQI is considered good (green signal), and 51 to 100 AQI requires caution (yellow signal). Similarly, 101 to 150 AQI is considered unhealthy, affecting respiratory and heart patients. 151 to 200 AQI is unhealthy for all, 201 to 300 AQI is very unhealthy, and anything above 300 AQI is considered extremely dangerous.

According to the Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076, the Government of Nepal has a provision to consider an AQI exceeding 300 as a disaster. To mitigate such disasters, the action plan mentions stopping the burning of waste, increasing the use of sweepers and vacuums for road cleaning, and issuing public notices for special precautions for children, the elderly, and the sick.

According to the National Environmental Policy, 2076, the government's strategy is to prepare and implement national standards related to the prevention of water, air, soil, noise, electricity, electromagnetic wave, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical pollution to reduce air pollution. It also mentions establishing quality monitoring centers in major cities, industrial areas, and pollution-prone locations to map air, water, and noise quality.