Kathmandu Tops Global Air Pollution Chart Again

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has once again been declared the world’s most polluted city. The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings place Kathmandu at a concerning level of 162, ahead of Chiang Mai in Thailand and Medan in Indonesia, which rank second and third respectively.

Experts attribute this high level of pollution primarily to the numerous forest fires occurring across the country as temperatures continue to rise. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported 165 forest fire incidents across 39 districts.

According to wildfire expert Sundar Sharma, these fires are a significant contributor to the deteriorating air quality in major cities, including the capital. Sharma warns that without imminent rainfall, controlling these fires and improving air quality will prove difficult.

Meteorologist Govinda Jha indicated that there is little chance of rainfall in the near future, which could have helped mitigate the situation. Meanwhile, disaster management expert Dr. Dharma Raj Upreti emphasized the health implications of the current AQI levels. An AQI of 151-200, as seen in Kathmandu, poses health risks to all individuals, not just those who are particularly sensitive or have pre-existing health conditions.

The Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, established in 2076 BS, classifies any AQI reading above 300 as a disaster, underscoring the severity of the current situation. Residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed about the air quality as the city grapples with this environmental challenge.