Dhangadhi, the capital of Sudurpashchim Province, has recorded the highest air pollution levels in Nepal today. As of 6:30 AM, the air pollution in Dhangadhi was measured at 185 AQI.
Dhangadhi was also the most polluted city in Nepal in the last 24 hours. According to the Air Quality Monitoring Unit under the Department of Environment, the air pollution in Dhangadhi was recorded at 182 AQI over the past 24 hours. Until Friday, the highest air pollution levels had been recorded in the capital of Gandaki Province.
Today, Bhaktapur ranks second with an air pollution level of 182 AQI. Similarly, air pollution levels in other cities are as follows: Kathmandu (Shankha Park) – 174 AQI, Bhaisepati – 172 AQI, Ratnapark – 170 AQI, Pokhara – 169 AQI, Khumaltar – 165 AQI, Bharatpur – 161 AQI, and Hetauda – 159 AQI. Any AQI above 50 is considered unhealthy.
According to the Department of Environment, an AQI of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is moderate, 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and an AQI above 301 is considered hazardous.
Since air pollution remains high from Mangsir (mid-November) to Jestha (mid-June), the Department of Environment has issued a notice urging people to take precautions. “Air pollution negatively impacts human health, especially affecting children, the elderly, individuals with respiratory and heart conditions, and pregnant women. Therefore, extra precautions should be taken during this period,” the department stated in its notice.
Kathmandu Ranks Fifth Among the World’s Most Polluted Cities
According to IQAir, which monitors global air quality, Kathmandu is the fifth most polluted city in the world, with an AQI of 178. South Asian cities dominate the top five most polluted cities worldwide.
India’s capital, Delhi, ranks first, with an air pollution level of 331 AQI at the time of reporting. Similarly, Lahore, Pakistan, recorded an AQI of 276, while Dhaka, Bangladesh, had an AQI of 224.
Meanwhile, Wuhan, China, ranks sixth with an air pollution level of 175 AQI.
