Nepal’s air quality remains a serious concern, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 119. This means the air pollution level is 8.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety guidelines.
Most Polluted Cities in Nepal
Here are the cities with the worst air quality in Nepal:
- Patan – AQI 165
- Bhaktapur – AQI 160
- Kathmandu – AQI 156
These cities have high levels of PM2.5, which are tiny harmful particles in the air that can cause serious health problems.
Cleanest City in Nepal
Among Nepal’s cities, Nepalgunj recorded the lowest pollution with an AQI of 55, making it the cleanest city in 2024.
Nepal’s Global Ranking in Air Pollution
Nepal ranked 7th among the world’s most polluted countries in 2024. The top five most polluted countries were:
- Chad – AQI 176
- Bangladesh – AQI 167
- Pakistan – AQI 164
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – AQI 153
- India – AQI 138
What Does This Mean for Nepal?
Nepal’s increasing air pollution can cause serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases. Reducing pollution through clean energy, better traffic management, and stricter regulations is necessary for a healthier future.
People in Nepal should check air quality updates regularly and take precautions like wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities on high-pollution days.
