KATHMANDU, March 11: Kathmandu has been listed as the second most polluted city in the world, according to the latest data from IQAir.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu reached 197 on Wednesday morning, a level considered “very unhealthy” from a health perspective.
India’s Delhi ranked first on the global list with an AQI of 216, while Lahore, Pakistan, placed third with 182. Dhaka, Bangladesh, ranked fourth with 179 on the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
Kathmandu tops the list of polluted cities in the world
Similarly, Kampala in Uganda was ranked fifth. Among the top 10 cities, India’s Mumbai and Kolkata were placed sixth and seventh respectively.
Experts warn that children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of such high pollution levels.
They have advised the public to wear masks, avoid going outdoors unless necessary, and reduce outdoor exercises in the early morning.
The major causes of the current pollution are believed to be prolonged dry conditions, vehicle emissions and dust from construction activities.
