KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18 Air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley fell markedly on Wednesday as vehicular movement declined during the Gyalpo Lhosar public holiday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping from 191 to 114 within 24 hours. Data recorded at 1:00 pm showed that Kathmandu, which ranked as the world's third most polluted city on Tuesday, slipped to 14th position the following day. According to global AQI monitoring figures, Lahore topped the list with an AQI of 193, followed by Dakar at 192. Environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar said the transport sector plays a decisive role in the Valley's pollution levels. 'Vehicle emissions directly increase pollution,' he said, noting that brick kilns, which have been operating since Magh 1, also contribute significantly through smoke and dust emissions. Tuladhar added that waste burning and the onset of wildfire season further heighten pollution risks. He stressed the need for timely preparedness, proper management of dry leaves, wildfire control, and strict enforcement of vehicle emission testing standards. Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi said traffic volume typically declines by around 10 percent on public holidays. While acknowledging that public transport contributes to pollution, he noted that the gradual increase in electric buses could have a positive long-term impact. Under AQI classification standards, readings between 101 and 150 fall under the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' category, while 151 to 200 is considered 'Unhealthy' for the general population. The Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan 2076 stipulates that AQI levels above 300 are to be treated as a disaster, triggering measures such as prohibiting waste burning, intensifying mechanised road cleaning, and issuing public health advisories. The National Environment Policy 2076 also mandates the preparation and enforcement of national standards for controlling air and other forms of pollution, along with the establishment of monitoring stations in major urban and industrial areas. The sharp drop in AQI within a single day has once again underscored the strong correlation between vehicular emissions and air quality in the capital. (With inputs from RSS)