Kathmandu Faces High Pollution Levels as Winter Begins
As winter sets in, pollution levels in Nepal, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu, have risen significantly. The city is now covered in a thick haze, affecting daily life. Ram Gurung, a local resident, shared his struggles with the increased pollution, noting issues like shortness of breath and eye irritation.
At 1 pm, the air quality index (AQI) in Kathmandu was recorded at 151, indicating unhealthy air. In Lalitpur, the AQI was even higher at 169. These levels are much higher than the World Health Organization’s recommendations, posing serious health risks to the population.
The deteriorating air quality is a major public health concern, leading to increased health problems and economic burdens due to reduced productivity and healthcare costs. Despite the severity, there is a lack of data to fully assess the health and economic impacts of air pollution in Nepal.
The drop in temperatures, influenced by north-westerly winds and radiant cooling, has contributed to the pollution levels. The Meteorological Forecasting Division reported a significant temperature drop across the country, exacerbating the pollution issue.
Doubts Revealed
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, a country located to the north of India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Pollution -: Pollution refers to harmful substances in the air, water, or soil that can cause health problems for people, animals, and plants. In this context, it means dirty air that is not safe to breathe.
Winter -: Winter is the coldest season of the year, usually occurring from December to February in Nepal. During this time, temperatures drop, and in some places, it can get very cold.
Air Quality Index (AQI) -: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to communicate how clean or polluted the air is. A higher AQI means more pollution and greater health concerns.
Lalitpur -: Lalitpur is a city near Kathmandu in Nepal. It is also known as Patan and is famous for its beautiful temples and rich culture.
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a global organization that provides guidelines and recommendations to help keep people healthy.
North-westerly winds -: North-westerly winds are winds that blow from the northwest direction. These winds can bring colder air and sometimes affect weather conditions.
