Air Pollution Reaches Hazardous Levels in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu. The level of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has increased excessively in recent times. Due to the pollution, the sky over the valley is hazy, and sunlight is not penetrating properly.

The weather in Kathmandu has been gloomy since early morning. Due to reduced visibility, there has been a slight impact on traffic operations and even on air flights. As the concentration of dust particles and smoke in the air has increased, the general public has been experiencing eye irritation and difficulty in breathing.

According to the Department of Environment, the Air Quality Index in the valley has reached a hazardous level. Meteorologists have stated that the pollution has sharply increased because there has been no winter rain for a long time, and smoke from wildfires burning in various parts of the country has been carried into the valley by air currents. 

Health experts have advised children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory diseases not to leave their homes, and if they must go out, to mandatorily use high-quality masks.

Since there is little possibility of heavy rain or strong winds in the immediate future, it is estimated that this state of pollution may persist for the next few days. Concerned authorities have appealed to the public not to drive unnecessary vehicles and not to burn garbage. —News Agency Nepal