KATHMANDU, MAY 5

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu has reached 177, ranking it as the world's second most polluted city after New Delhi, India.

Last Thursday, Kathmandu's AQI stood at 168, increasing to 195 on Wednesday and 185 on Saturday.

New Delhi's AQI has soared to 245, while Beijing, China, is listed as the third most polluted city with an AQI of 172.

The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, and poor waste management practices, as well as forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is crucial, according to concerned experts.

Presently, cases of forest fires and fires are prevalent, leading to a surge in air pollution, alongside the loss of lives and properties. The Department of Environment reported satellite data indicating 1,653 cases of wildfires and fires since the beginning of 2024.

The AQI scale ranges from 0-500, with 0-50 considered good for public health (indicated by a green signal), 51-100 as moderate (marked by yellow), and 101-150 as unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory and cardiovascular issues (highlighted by orange).

Similarly, an AQI of 151-200 is indicated by red, signifying it is unhealthy for all, while 201-300 is highlighted by purple, indicating it is very unhealthy.

Measurements from 301-400 are considered hazardous, and 401-500 are highly hazardous to health, denoted by maroon.