KATHMANDU:- The air quality index (AQI) measured the Kathmandu Valley pollution as the second worst in the world on Wednesday.

The weather has been deteriorating in the valley and many parts of the country for some days. Director General at the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, has argued that lack of rainfall and strong winds caused the deposition of polluted air in the bowl-shaped valley.

He urged all not to go out of the residence except for essential work and to wear a mask while going out of the residence.

“For some days, most of the places, including the Kathmandu Valley, witnessed gloomy weather. Even the rains are not in sight, nor the sunny weather. With strong wind in short supply, the polluted air is choking the valley,” he said, adding, “Once the weather improves, the air pollution subsides.”

Meteorologist at Meteorological Forecasting Division, Sanjiv Adhikari, however, informed that the weather would improve gradually with the gradual disappearance of haze.

The AQI measured Kathmandu Valley’s air quality at 174, placing it as the second-worst-polluted city in the world till 4:00 pm today.

Environmental campaigner Bhushan Tuladhar said preparedness is imperative for air pollution. Massive public awareness against air pollution is needed.

The AQI notches from 150 to 200 are categorised ‘hazardous to every ones’ health’, while the readings from 201 to 300 signal ‘very unhealthy’ and above it ‘very harmful’. The measurement from 0 to 50 indicates the air quality as ‘good’. RSS