Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels Amid Pollution Surge

Kathmandu Valley's air quality has reached unhealthy levels. The increase in air pollution is attributed to the lack of adequate sunlight over the past few days and the increased settling of particulate matter present in the atmosphere onto the surface.

According to IQAir, an air quality monitoring organization, Kathmandu Valley currently ranks third among the world's most polluted cities. The decline in air quality is reported to be due to the rising levels of dust, smoke, and other pollutants in the atmosphere.

With the rise in pollution, the sky over the valley has appeared hazy, and distant hills are no longer clearly visible. Doctors have advised children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses to take special precautions as increased air pollution raises the risk of respiratory problems.

Experts suggest that the pollution in the valley is exacerbated by the absence of rain, vehicle emissions, dust from construction activities, and forest fires. Currently, people are advised to limit outdoor exposure to essential activities only and to use masks.