Kathmandu Valley was recently declared the most polluted city in the world, recording PM2.5 levels as high as 365 μg/m³, a dangerous level. The increase in pollution, driven by wildfires, stubble burning, and industrial activities, is posing critical health risks, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and viral influenza. Doctors caution that worsening air quality is harming both short-term and long-term health, with vulnerable groups reaping the most risk. But the lack of action of government and local agencies has created a subsequent crisis which has affected both the economy and general wellbeing. Also, say the experts, air pollution in Nepal is cutting life expectancy by about five years.
Kathmandu’s Air Pollution Hits Hazardous Levels
