Air Pollution in Kathmandu Valley Eases as Wind Picks Up

The air quality in Kathmandu Valley has seen a notable improvement today following a rise in wind speed, which helped disperse the dense pollutants that had accumulated over the past few days.

Just yesterday, Kathmandu was ranked the most polluted city in the world, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous level of 348. However, as of this afternoon, the AQI has dropped to 147, placing the Valley seventh among the world’s most-polluted cities.

According to Nepal’s official air quality standards, the current level is still considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, but marks a significant improvement from Thursday’s hazardous conditions.

Gyan Raj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, confirmed the drop in pollution levels and attributed it to the increased wind speed. He emphasized that while natural factors may provide temporary relief, long-term solutions are needed.

“The pollution level has come down from being the world’s most-polluted city to the seventh position today due to the rise in wind speed,” said Subedi. “To address this problem sustainably, we are prioritizing public awareness and encouraging strong coordination between the Department of Environment and other concerned agencies.”

While the improvement offers a brief respite, authorities continue to urge vigilance and proactive measures to reduce pollution across the Valley.