Kathmandu's air quality slightly improves but still unhealthy

Kathmandu's Air Quality Index has reached 177 to be ranked the world's second most polluted city after New Delhi of India.

Last Thursday, Kathmandu's AQI was 168 and it measured 195 on Wednesday and 185 on Saturday.

New Delhi's AQI has reached 245 while Beijing, China has been listed as the third most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 172, it is stated.

The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, according to experts concerned.

Cases of forest fires and fire are prevalent presently and it has led to an increase in air pollution besides the loss of lives and properties. The Department of Environment said the Satellite data shows that as of now there are 1,653 cases of wildfire and fire since the beginning of the year 2024.

AQI from 0-50 is considered good for public health as it is indicated by a green signal while 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful on time.

It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardiac issues if measured from 101-150 and is highlighted by orange. 

Similarly, AQI from 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy.  If it is measured 301-400, it is hazardous and 401-500 is highly hazardous to health and it is denoted by maroon.