Air Pollution Reaches Year’s Peak in Nepal

Today, Nepal witnesses a concerning surge in air pollution, hitting the highest level recorded this year. The spike is attributed to rampant forest fires engulfing various parts of the country.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu’s AQI stands at a staggering 265, catapulting the capital to the apex of the world’s most polluted cities. Just a day ago, on Tuesday, Kathmandu recorded an AQI of 200.

Environmentalists and meteorologists express deep worry, foreseeing a potential exacerbation of the situation as bushfires continue to rage across multiple regions.

Tara Dutta Bhatta, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Environment, emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to curb the forest fires. “The sudden surge in air pollution in Kathmandu Valley correlates with the escalating wildfires,” Bhatta states, underlining the necessity for immediate action.

“The pollution levels are escalating steadily. If the AQI breaches 300, it’s imperative for the government to declare a state of emergency,” Bhatta asserts, highlighting the critical threshold that demands decisive measures.