Kathmandu Ranks as Second Most-Polluted City Globally, With PM2.5 Levels Exceeding WHO Guidelines

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has attained the alarming distinction of being the second most polluted city worldwide, primarily due to soaring levels of air pollution. As of Sunday, the air quality in Kathmandu has been classified as unhealthy, with PM2.5 levels registering at 175 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) as of 9:00 AM local time. This concerning data, sourced from IQ Air, a leading organization specializing in global air-quality analysis, underscores the severity of the pollution crisis gripping the city.

PM2.5, a key airborne pollutant comprising fine solid or liquid particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, poses significant health risks to residents of Kathmandu. The current concentration of PM2.5 in the city exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual air quality guideline value by a staggering 20.5 times, as reported by IQAir. This alarming discrepancy underscores the urgent need for proper measures to address the root causes of air pollution in Kathmandu and safeguard public health.

Kathmandu's designation as the second most-polluted city globally is based on rankings provided by IQAir, with Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, occupying the unenviable top spot.