KATHMANDU, April 13: Air pollution in various parts of the country including in the Kathmandu Valley has increased lately due to incidents of forest fire. 

According to the Department of Forest and Environment, polluted air has accumulated in the Kathmandu Valley. 

The arrival of polluted air from the western part has affected the Valley's atmosphere. It remains smoggy. 

Director of the Department, Shibalal Tiwari in a press statement today said that forest fires in 140 locations including in Bara, Parsa and Chitwan have contributed to the air pollution at the excessive level in the Valley and in the central and eastern regions of the country. It is more intense in the morning and evening.  

The Department has urged people mainly children, senior citizens, people with breathing issues and with heart diseases to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear mask, glasses and take all the possible safety measures in case of urgency to go outside. 

According to meteorologists, Butwal, Patan in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi in Bhaktapur, Ratnapark in Kathmandu, Kirtipur and Hetauda are experiencing the atmospheric hazards.

The Air Quality Index showed that the air quality in the above mentioned area has already crossed the danger line.  Zero to 50 AQI is considered okay for human health, but it has been measured 292 in Butwal followed by 232 in Patan, 222 in Bhaktapur, 191 in Kirtipur, 187 in Madhyapur Thimi, 186 in Ratnapark and 174 in Hetauda. 

It is harmful if it is measured 100-200 and in such situations the elderly and children are likely to suffer coughing and breathing complications. 

The Department has urged one and all to do their bit to douse the forest fire and help prevent it in the days ahead. 

RSS

 
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