Kathmandu is listed as the third most polluted city in the world today, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
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Air pollution has increased in the Kathmandu Valley. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 191 by noon today, up from 178 on Monday.
This level falls into the 'unhealthy for everyone' category, which can especially affect children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory and heart diseases.
With the Yosh, air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has reached unhealthy levels. According to the 'Air Quality Index (AQI)', Kathmandu has been listed as the third most polluted city in the world. Delhi, India, is listed first with an AQI of 229 and Lahore, Pakistan, is listed second with an AQI of 203.
Gyanraj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment, said that pollution could increase further in the coming days if there is no rain. He said that since rain helps in bringing dust and particles in the air to the ground, the level of pollution will be high during prolonged dry weather. Director General Subedi informed that suggestions have been made to the concerned bodies to effectively implement sustainable and environment-friendly development measures.
According to environmental activist Varsha Parajuli, the rapid increase in vehicles in the valley, smoke from diesel and petrol, dust from under-construction roads and infrastructure projects, as well as forest fires and prolonged dry weather have increased air pollution. 'If control measures are not taken in time, the situation can become more complicated,' he said.
Parajuli also urged people to be aware in time, saying that pollution could increase further if the weather remains dry. According to the index data, AQI of 100 to 50 is considered good (green indicator) and 51 to 100 should be cautious (yellow indicator). Similarly, AQI of 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy, which affects respiratory and heart patients. Similarly, AQI of 151 to 200 is unhealthy for everyone, AQI of 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and AQI of above 300 is considered extremely dangerous.
According to the Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076, the Government of Nepal has made arrangements to consider the situation where the AQI exceeds 300 as a disaster.
The action plan mentions the measures to stop burning garbage, increase the use of brooms and vacuums for street cleaning, and issue public notices to children, senior citizens, and the sick to take special precautions.
According to the National Environment Policy, 2076, the government has a strategy to prepare and implement national standards for the prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electromagnetic waves, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical pollution to reduce air pollution. It also mentions that quality measurement centers will be established in major cities, industrial areas, and places at risk of pollution and mapping of air, water, and sound quality.
