Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, continues to face severe air pollution issues, securing its position as the second most polluted city globally, according to the latest findings from IQ Air. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 162, closely trailing behind Beijing, China, which maintains its status as the world’s most polluted city.
The recent measurements at 8 AM reveal alarming AQI levels in Kathmandu, signaling dangerous conditions for human health despite clear skies. Experts attribute this ongoing pollution crisis to various factors, including fires in India’s western region and local sources of pollution. Without significant rainfall or strong winds to disperse pollutants, the situation in Kathmandu is unlikely to see substantial improvement in the near future.
Following Kathmandu, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates ranks third in global air pollution, with an AQI of 160, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Other cities in the top 10 list include Hanoi, Vietnam; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Delhi, India; Bangkok, Thailand; Medan, Indonesia; Lahore, Pakistan; and Wuhan, China, all grappling with significant air quality challenges.
It is imperative for authorities and stakeholders to prioritize measures aimed at curbing air pollution and safeguarding public health in Kathmandu and other highly polluted cities worldwide.