Kathmandu Ranks Second Globally for Air Pollution; AQI Reaches 'Very Unhealthy' Levels

Kathmandu. Air pollution in Kathmandu has been observed to increase in recent days. As of 1 PM measurement, Kathmandu ranks second among the world's most polluted cities.

Lately, air pollution in various urban areas, including the Kathmandu Valley, has reached poor levels. According to the Department of Environment, Kathmandu's pollution is at a very unhealthy level. The atmosphere remains hazy, and due to poor air circulation, the polluted air has not been able to disperse. Air pollution in the valley has been seen increasing for the past week.

As of Tuesday at 1 PM, Kathmandu's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 195. This is considered 'very unhealthy' for public health. Among areas in the valley, the highest pollution was observed in the Lazimpat area, where the AQI was recorded at 226 at 1 PM.

Similarly, according to the measurement center in Ranibari, the AQI in that area was 196. The AQI in Chhauni was 188. Outside the valley, Birendranagar in the Mid-West region showed the highest air pollution, with an AQI of 232. Furthermore, Dhangadhi in the Far-West region recorded an AQI of 209.

According to IQAir, an international organization headquartered in Switzerland that measures air pollution levels, Delhi, India, is at 247 (AQI) on the list of polluted cities. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, these cities fall into the 'very unhealthy' category.

Dr. Binod Pokharel, an Associate Professor at the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Tribhuvan University, stated that even with rainfall, air pollution remains highly unhealthy in some places in Nepal. Pokharel stated via social media: 'This is because the wind is blowing very little, pollution is coming from other countries, but it cannot escape anywhere.'

'The air is expected to clear only when there is good wind and rain, which is likely to happen starting tomorrow,' Pokharel said, 'which aligns with the forecast of thunderstorms and rain starting tomorrow afternoon.' Air pollution in Nepal reaches very poor conditions during winter. In addition to pollution emitted by vehicles, the air carries pollution from India, along with pollution from brick kilns and industries, leading to a situation where breathing becomes difficult. The situation of air pollution worsens further when forest fires start in Nepal's forests.

Air with a PM 2.5 concentration below 50 per cubic meter is considered healthy. Levels between 50 and 100 are considered moderately polluted. If the PM 2.5 concentration is between 100 and 150 per cubic meter, it is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups like children and the sick. If the PM 2.5 concentration in the air reaches 150 to 200, it is considered unhealthy for all groups, and above 200 is considered very unhealthy.

The World Health Organization has set a standard that the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter. By this standard, Nepal's air appears to be nearly eight and a half times more polluted than the standard set by the WHO. Such polluted air is considered very risky for health. Data from 2019 showed that 42,000 people die annually in Nepal due to air pollution-related diseases.