May 3: Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, has been ranked again as the world's most polluted city.
According to the data of the Air Quality Index, Kathmandu's overall AQI reached 162 on Thursday to top the list of polluted cities while Chiang Mai city of Thailand stood second and Medan of Indonesia was identified as the world's third most polluted city.
According to the stakeholders, air pollution is soaring in Kathmandu due to rising incidents of forest fire amidst the increasing temperature.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 165 incidents of forest fire were reported in 39 districts across the country on Thursday.
According to wild fire expert, Sundar Sharma, the increasing number of forest fires has contributed to air pollution in major cities of the country including the federal capital. If there is no rainfall in the next few days, it will be challenging to contain the forest fire and reduce air pollution, according to him.
Meteorologist Govinda Jha said there are no chances of rainfall immediately despite a brief rain in some parts.
Disaster management expert Dr. Dharma Raj Upreti explained that the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 0 to 500, with specific implications for public health. An AQI of 0-50 is considered good, indicated by a green signal. Moderate levels, from 51-100, are marked by yellow. However, AQI readings of 101-150 are deemed unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and are highlighted by orange. As the AQI climbs higher, from 151-200, it is indicated by red, suggesting it is unhealthy for all. Levels of 201-300 are highlighted by purple, signifying very unhealthy conditions. When the AQI exceeds 300, reaching 301-400, it is classified as hazardous, while levels of 401-500 are considered highly hazardous, denoted by maroon.
Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS considers the situation measuring AQI above 300 as a disaster. -- RSS
