Kathmandu Ranks Second in Global Air Pollution Index

Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital, has secured the unenviable position of the world’s second most-polluted city, according to recent data. Sunday saw the city’s air quality index soaring to alarming levels, with PM2.5 levels hitting 175 micrograms per cubic meter at 9:00 AM. This data, provided by IQ Air, an authority on global air quality, marks Kathmandu as a city with unhealthy air quality.

PM2.5, a key pollutant, consists of tiny solid or liquid particles with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers, posing significant health risks. The current concentration of PM2.5 in Kathmandu exceeds the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline by a staggering 20.5 times, as reported by IQAir.

Kathmandu’s designation as the world’s second most-polluted city is based on IQAir rankings, with Dhaka, Bangladesh claiming the top spot. As concerns grow over air quality, Kathmandu faces the urgent task of addressing this pressing issue to safeguard public health and the environment.