Nepal air pollution hits hazardous category: What led to sudden deterioration in air quality in Kathmandu?
Nepal air pollution: Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population Prakash Budhathoki urged vulnerable groups — children, elderly, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions — to exercise extreme caution.
The air quality on Friday further deteriorated in Napal’s Kathmandu and reached alarming levels with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 301 mark to enter the 'hazardous' category, according to a new ICIMOD analysis, which shows that high pollution has been prevalent in Nepal this year. The report said that inhabitants suffered 75 days of unhealthy air in the past three months.
With this, Kathmandu has ranked one of the world’s most polluted cities. On Thursday, the Nepal government’s Air Quality Monitoring dashboard recorded a 24-hourly AQI of 365 (Bhaktapur), 248 (Ratnapark), 273 (Shankhapark), 235 (Bhaisipati) and 235 (Khumaltar) in various parts of Kathmandu.
Why air quality deteriorates in Nepal?
Experts at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) centre attribute the spike to pre-monsoon forest fires across Nepal, mainly in the western parts where many districts are in moderate to extreme drought.
“The prevailing dry conditions have led to more instances of forest fires across the country,” said Sagar Adhikari, Air Pollution Analyst, ICIMOD.
Forest fires have worsened air quality
“In addition to the existing pollution being emitted from different sectors such as residential, transport and dust; forest fires have worsened these conditions. Existing meteorological conditions are also leading to pollution stagnating over the Valley. Notable emissions coming from forest fires include carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter in the form of PM2.5 and black carbon,” according to experts.
“When breathed in, these finer particles of pollution can enter the bloodstream and lead to respiratory conditions and even death,” warn ICIMOD experts.
Nepal air pollution: Kathmandu issues guidelines
Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population Prakash Budhathoki urged vulnerable groups — children, elderly, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions — to exercise extreme caution.
The ministry advises the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, wear masks when venturing outside and avoid heavily polluted areas.