Health Ministry Urges Public to Take Precautions Amid Rising Air Pollution

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to take strict precautions as air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley continue to rise, placing Nepal among the most polluted countries in the world.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry highlighted alarming figures from the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has recorded Kathmandu’s air pollution level at 348, categorizing it as “hazardous.” The index classifies air quality from 0-50 as good, 51-100 as moderate, 101-150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 as unhealthy, 201-300 as very unhealthy, and anything above 301 as hazardous.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki advised children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory illnesses to take extra precautions, as they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The Ministry has also urged the general public to avoid going outdoors unless necessary, wear masks while traveling, and steer clear of highly polluted areas.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has called for collective efforts to control pollution and protect public health. Authorities attribute the worsening air quality to forest fires, road construction, and industrial activities and have urged industries and construction firms to take immediate steps to minimize pollution.

In response, the government has directed relevant bodies to monitor air pollution levels and implement urgent measures to improve air quality across affected areas.