Alarming Air Pollution Grips Kathmandu: PM2.5 Levels Surge, Ranking 13th Most Polluted City Globally

The air quality in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has reached hazardous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations soaring to 158 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) as of 9:15 am, based on data from IQ AirVisual. This unsettling development places Kathmandu as the 13th most polluted city worldwide.

The current PM2.5 concentration is a staggering 13.6 times higher than the annual air quality guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Causes of Pollution in Kathmandu

Several factors contribute to the heightened pollution levels in Kathmandu, encompassing both human and geographical elements. The city’s geographical location, nestled within a valley surrounded by mountains and bordered by China and India, plays a pivotal role. The substantial number of outdated vehicles, running on obsolete motors and diesel fuels, emits high concentrations of pollutants. Inadequate waste management infrastructure leads to open burning of organic materials, further deteriorating air quality. The aftermath of earthquakes, construction site dust, and the geographical location exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, as the city lacks the elevation and wind to disperse them effectively.

Types of Pollutants Found in Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s pollution is characterized by fine particulate matter, such as black carbon, resulting from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood, and plants. Outdated vehicles, relying on diesel fuels, emit substantial amounts of black carbon, contributing to air pollution. Other pollutants from vehicles include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Most Polluted Months in Kathmandu

Analysis of 2019 data reveals that the cleanest air quality occurred in August, with a PM2.5 reading of 11.8 μg/m³. In contrast, the months of January to May and November to December experienced the highest pollution levels, reaching a peak in January with a reading of 102.7 μg/m³. Overall, six months of the year recorded unhealthy air quality.

Air Quality Trends

Determining whether air quality in Kathmandu is improving remains uncertain, as fluctuations in pollution levels have been observed in recent years. While there was a slight improvement in 2019 with a PM2.5 reading of 48 μg/m³ compared to 2018, it still reflects a decline from 2017 levels. The coming years will provide insights into whether the city’s air quality is genuinely improving or experiencing fluctuations.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution poses significant health risks, contributing to 7 million premature deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. It is associated with lung cancer, respiratory infections, stroke, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Vulnerable groups, such as those with heart or lung diseases, the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and athletes, are particularly susceptible to severe health effects.

As Kathmandu grapples with environmental challenges amid economic growth, addressing pollution sources like diesel vehicles and open burning may lead to improvements in air quality over time.