Air pollution has started increasing in the Kathmandu Valley. The air quality, which had improved with the onset of the monsoon, has suddenly deteriorated to a 'very unhealthy' level.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air quality index, which was around 92 on Tuesday afternoon, has increased to 247 by 11:00 am today. This level falls in the 'very unhealthy' category, which is said to affect the health of the general public.

According to the AQI criteria, 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'moderate', 101-150 'unhealthy', 151-200 'unhealthy for all', 201-300 'very unhealthy' and above 300 is considered 'extremely hazardous'.

According to the Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanraj Subedi, lack of rainfall, increasing drought, the tendency to burn agricultural residues and forest fires have played a major role in increasing air pollution. 'There is no rain now, but the drought is increasing, which has helped dust and smoke accumulate in the atmosphere,' he said. 'If it rains, the particles in the air settle on the ground and pollution decreases, but that is not the case now.' According to him, the concerned bodies have been urged to effectively implement sustainable and environmentally friendly development measures.

Similarly, Binu Maharjan, a meteorologist at the Department of Water and Meteorology, informed that there is no possibility of significant rain for the next three days and there are signs that the temperature will continue to rise. 'Without rain, the atmosphere cannot be cleaned, which is likely to increase pollution further,' she said.