Kathmandu, April 10
Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley has increased following the forest fire that occurred across the country for the past few days. Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu was ranked as the topmost polluted city globally on April 9, recording an AQI of 200.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Environment, Tara Dutta Bhatta, said there is an effect of forest fire in the air of different cities including Kathmandu. “The air pollution of Kathmandu had also increased a few weeks ago. It becomes more polluted on Tuesday,” he mentioned, adding that air pollution would increase until forest fire comes under control.
Similarly, Disaster Management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti, said an AQI value of up to 50 is considered good while 51-100 is moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured 150-200.
Likewise, an AQI value from 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy while 300-400 are dangerous and 401-450 very dangerous. Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076, reads that an AQI of more than 300 is considered a disaster.
