KATHMANDU, March 8: A dense grey haze has settled over the Kathmandu Valley in recent days, dimming the skyline and sending air pollution levels climbing, raising growing health concerns among residents.
The thick smog, visible from early morning until late evening, has left the valley shrouded in a blanket of dust and pollutants, with many residents complaining of burning eyes, throat irritation and breathing discomfort.
Officials say the deterioration in air quality is largely linked to prolonged dry weather and weak wind patterns that prevent pollutants from dispersing.
IN PICS: Hazardous haze blankets Pokhara
Gyanraj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment, said the absence of rainfall for an extended period has allowed pollution to accumulate in the atmosphere. “It hasn’t rained for a long time, and there has been little wind, which is why the weather has become hazy in recent days,” he said.
Subedi noted that while the pollution level is slightly lower than during the same period last year, the situation could worsen if forest fires begin to break out as temperatures rise in the coming weeks.
Data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) showed Kathmandu’s air quality reaching 186 on Sunday, placing the capital among the world’s most polluted cities. At this level, the air is considered unhealthy, meaning even healthy individuals may begin to experience adverse health effects.
Environmentalists warn that the problem could intensify unless authorities and the public take immediate preventive steps.
Environmental campaigner Bhushan Tuladhar said stronger measures are needed to control pollution sources. He urged authorities to focus on proper waste management, strict monitoring of vehicle emissions, prevention of forest fires, and stronger enforcement of environmental standards.
“Air pollution is not only a seasonal issue but a long-term public health challenge,” he said, adding that collective action is essential to prevent the valley’s air quality from deteriorating further.
Under AQI standards, a score of 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, and 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups. Levels between 151–200 are unhealthy for everyone, 201–300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous, according to the Department of Environment.
