Air pollution in Kathmandu has been very high in recent days. According to the Department of Environment, the air quality has reached an unhealthy level.
On Monday and Tuesday, Kathmandu was ranked as the most polluted city in the world. On Wednesday, pollution increased even more. However, today, Delhi, India, has the worst air pollution, making Kathmandu the second most polluted city.
How Bad is the Air Quality?
According to IQAir, Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) this morning was 268 micrograms per cubic meter of fine dust particles—three times higher than safe levels. On Tuesday, it was recorded at 225.
Delhi had an AQI of 336 this morning, reaching the “hazardous” level. Air quality between 101 and 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and anything above 301 is dangerous. Based on this scale, Kathmandu’s air is “very unhealthy,” while Delhi’s air is “hazardous.”
Which Cities Have the Worst Air Pollution?
Today, the most polluted cities in the world are:
- Delhi, India
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Baghdad, Iraq
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Mumbai, India
- Wuhan, China
- Yangon, Myanmar
Why is Air Pollution Increasing?
For the past week, air pollution has worsened in Kathmandu and other major cities of Nepal. The Department of Environment has identified the main causes:
- Smoke from industries, factories, and vehicles
- Wildfires
- Burning of waste and crop residues
- Smoke from households
- Dust from roads and construction sites
Health Warnings and Precautions
Due to the rising pollution, the Department of Environment has issued a warning. Children, elderly people, pregnant women, heart patients, and those with respiratory problems are advised to take extra precautions.
To reduce pollution, the department has urged people to:
- Avoid burning plastic and agricultural waste
- Maintain vehicles properly
- Use clean energy in factories and kitchens
- Control dust from roads and construction sites
With pollution levels dangerously high, people are encouraged to wear masks and limit outdoor activities to protect their health.
