Kathmandu, April 27: The air quality in the Kathmandu Valley, which started to deteriorate rapidly from last week, is once again showing signs of improvement.
The pollution, which had increased due to dry weather and forest fires, has gradually started to decrease with the onset of rain in recent days.
Kathmandu's Air Quality Index (AQI), which was around 92 last Tuesday, had risen to 247 on Thursday.
Experts had expressed concern that since the level falls into the 'very unhealthy' category, it would have serious effects on the general public's health.
Currently, pollution is decreasing, having dropped to 141 today, which falls in the 'unhealthy' category.
According to the AQI standards, an AQI of 0–50 is considered 'Good', of 51–100 'Moderate', of 101–150 'Unhealthy', of 151–200 'Unhealthy for all', of 201–300 'Very Unhealthy' and of above 300 'Extremely Dangerous'.
Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanraj Subedi, stated that rain plays an important role in controlling air pollution.
He said, "When there is no rain for a long time, dust and smoke accumulate in the atmosphere, forest fires increase, and the smoke from them settles in the valley, leading to high pollution. Additionally, polluted air coming from the neighbouring country India also affects the air quality in Kathmandu."
Subedi emphasised that the concerned authorities should effectively implement sustainable and environmentally friendly development measures to control pollution.
According to Binu Maharjan, a meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is a good chance of rain from Wednesday. It is expected to help further reduce pollution by controlling dust and particles in the air.
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