The Kathmandu Valley has topped the global list for the highest air pollution level today. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), which monitors air quality worldwide, Kathmandu Valley ranked first in air pollution on Wednesday morning, recording an AQI of 184.
Currently, India’s capital, Delhi, holds the second position in global air pollution, while Kampala, Uganda, ranks third.
As per the index, Kathmandu’s overall air quality index stands at 184, which falls under the "unhealthy" category. Delhi, in second place, has an AQI of 180, while Kampala, in third place, records an AQI of 157.
Doctors have been warning for the past few days that Kathmandu’s air has reached levels harmful to human health. Experts attribute the high pollution in the valley to accumulated dust due to prolonged dry weather and smoke from wildfires in surrounding forests.
Although air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has slightly decreased over the past two to three days, it still remains the most polluted city in the world. A few days ago, Kathmandu’s AQI had surged to 352.
The Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain cautious, noting that Nepal’s air quality is among the most hazardous in the world.
Doctors have advised people to avoid going outside in the morning and evening as much as possible under such conditions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, the AQI should remain below 35 for air to be considered safe for human health. An AQI of up to 50 is considered normal, while anything beyond, that is deemed unhealthy.
An AQI between 51 and 100 is categorized as "moderate" or a yellow alert. An AQI between 101 and 150 can affect individuals with respiratory and heart conditions, while an AQI between 151 and 200 is considered "unhealthy."
An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as "very unhealthy," while 301 to 400 is "hazardous." An AQI between 401 and 450 is considered "extremely hazardous."
The Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan, 2076, states that an AQI exceeding 300 should be treated as an emergency.
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