KATHMANDU, March 13: Air pollution levels have started to decline in major cities including the Kathmandu Valley over the past few days. Data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) shows that the air quality index stood at around 178 until Thursday noon but dropped to 149 by noon today.
While Kathmandu had been listed as the world’s second most polluted city until Thursday noon, it fell to the 12th position at the same time today. Air pollution had increased in recent days as hazy weather conditions persisted.
Director General of the Department of Environment Gyan Raj Subedi said rainfall on Thursday helped reduce air pollution today. “Rain helps bring down dust and particulate matter in the air to the ground, and wind also carries away dust and pollution particles, reducing pollution,” he said. “We have suggested that the concerned authorities effectively implement sustainable and environment-friendly development measures.”
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Environmental expert Bhushan Tuladhar suggested timely preparedness, proper management of dry leaves, control of forest fires, and strict implementation of vehicle emission testing and standards.
Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the weather has improved since Thursday and rainfall has helped clear pollutants from the air.
According to him, the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded at the Narayani Field Office station in Chitwan of Bagmati Province, measuring 126.2 mm. Similarly, 102.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Gharedhunga station in Lamjung of Gandaki Province and 90 mm at Barpak station in Gorkha.
Likewise, 98.4 mm of rainfall was recorded in Katari of Udayapur in Koshi Province, while Chandragadhi Airport station in Jhapa recorded 96.4 mm.
According to AQI standards, an index value between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good,’ while 51 to 100 falls under the ‘moderate’ category. A reading between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ particularly affecting people with respiratory and heart diseases. Levels between 151 and 200 are ‘unhealthy for everyone,’ 201 to 300 ‘very unhealthy,’ and above 300 ‘hazardous.’
RSS
