Kathmandu Ranks Seventh Among World’s Most Polluted Cities

In a concerning revelation, the capital city of the Himalayan nation, Kathmandu, has secured the seventh position among the world’s most polluted cities, according to live data from IQ AirVisual. The air quality index has reached alarming levels, with PM2.5 concentrations soaring to 154 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) as of 2 pm today.

This concentration is a staggering 12.3 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value, categorizing the air quality in Kathmandu as unhealthy. The data places Delhi, the capital of India, at the top of the list as the world’s most polluted city, with PM2.5 levels at 259 μg/m3.

Contributing to the escalating pollution levels in Kathmandu are a combination of human and geographical factors. The city’s unique geographical location, surrounded by mountains and bordered by China and India, plays a crucial role. Outdated vehicles, reliant on obsolete motors and diesel fuels, emit high concentrations of pollutants. Open burning of organic materials due to inadequate waste management infrastructure further worsens air quality.

The city’s susceptibility to earthquakes, construction site dust, and its geographical location exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, as it lacks elevation and wind to disperse them effectively.

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 Outdated vehicles, relying on diesel fuels, emit substantial amounts of black carbon, contributing significantly to air pollution.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

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, peaking in January with a reading of 102.7 μg/m³. Six months of the year recorded unhealthy air quality.

The health impacts of air pollution are substantial, contributing to 7 million premature deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. It is associated with various health issues, including 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 such as diesel vehicles and open burning may lead to improvements in air quality over time. The city faces a critical juncture where concerted efforts are required to safeguard public health and the environment.