Health Ministry urges public to take precautions amid unhealthy air pollution

Kathmandu: Kathmandu’s air quality has worsened sharply, with pollution levels reaching the unhealthy category.

According to IQAir, which monitors air quality in real time, the Air Quality Index in Kathmandu currently stands at 186.

Based on the Air Quality Index standards approved by the Government of Nepal, an AQI level of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, and 201 to 300 very unhealthy. An AQI above 301 is classified as hazardous.

Kathmandu ranked as the third most polluted city in the world this morning, after Delhi and Dhaka, where pollution levels have also crossed unhealthy levels.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to remain cautious due to the rise in air pollution.

Ministry spokesperson Prakash Budhathoki has advised people to take precautions and avoid exposure to polluted air as much as possible.