KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 20
Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley is on the decline. This afternoon, the air quality has improved, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 99.
Last Tuesday, the valley's AQI had peaked at 191 at 1:00 pm, but by Wednesday at the same time, it had fallen to 114.
The Department of Environment stated that the reduction in air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley is associated with increased wind activity.
According to the latest AQI figures, Kathmandu, which was ranked the third most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, has dropped to 18th place today.
Currently, Lahore in Pakistan tops the list with an AQI of 373, followed by Kolkata, India, at 186.
Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanaraj Subedi, explained that air pollution tends to increase during dry weather and decrease during rainfall and windy conditions.
An AQI between 101 and 150, highlighted in orange, is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, who may experience adverse health effects.