KATHMANDU, May 12: The air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has decreased with the occurrence of rainfall.

On May 2, the federal capital was listed the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index of 162. Today, it suggests a rapid drop in the pollution level to be ranked at 50th position. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the Kathmandu Valley's AQI has been measured at 56.

The containment of wildfires with the rainfall for the past few days has played a significant role in the improvement of the air quality. Air pollutants have been minimized with the favorable situation, said wildfire expert Sundar Sharma.

An AQI of 0-50 is considered good for public health and it is indicated by a green signal while an AQI of 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful.

It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardiac issues if the AQI reaches 101-150 and is highlighted by orange.

Similarly, an AQI of 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy.  An AQi of 301-400 is hazardous and that of 401-500 is highly hazardous to health and is denoted by maroon, according to disaster management expert Dr Dharmaraj Uprety.

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