Photo: Internet
By Our Reporter
The sky above the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country has been covered with heavy dust particles mixed with smoke from the wildfire since Friday.
The haze has led to poor visibility and disturbance in aviation service to and from the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Environmentalists and meteorologists blamed the smoke emanated from the Lantang National Park was brought to the valley by the western wind.
Air Quality Index (AQI) in the valley has exceeded the risk level, according to the Department of Environment.
According to the Centre, the air quality index on Friday reached 470 in Bhainsepati of Lalitpur, 305 in Bhaktapur and 248 in Simara, Bara.
AQI refers to the amount of particles smaller than PM10 and 2.5 micrograms, carbon monoxide, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides that are invisible to the naked eyes.
According to experts, an increase in AQI also increases the risk. Air with AQI of up to 50 is considered healthy.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, AQI should be less than 35. AQI of 51 to 100 is considered normal. AQI above 201 is unhealthy and above 301 is fatal.
Pollution has also increased outside the Kathmandu Valley.
Considering the growing pollution, the government decided to close all academic institutions for four days effective from Tuesday.
It has already been six days since a hazy layer of smog has blanketed the Nepali skies, from major cities to remote corners of Jumla, Rara and Dhankuta, taking air pollution to alarming levels.
In light of the persistently-high air pollution, the Department of Environment has been urging everyone to take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe from hazards of pollution.
Environmentalists and health experts have been warning that the smog could imperil public health at a time when the nation is already saddled with COVID-19 pandemic. They said the hazardous smog spread across the nation has put public health in jeopardy.
Considering the increasing air pollution, the department has requested the general public to not dispose of wastes haphazardly and not burn firewood under the open sky.
Moreover, Joshi said that the Air Quality Index (AQI) would not improve unless there’s a significant change in weather or heavy rainfall. “However, we have been mulling to recommend the government to impose an odd-even rule on vehicles to minimise emissions. Educational institutions across the nation have already been shut for a couple of days to keep the children safe,” added Joshi.
According to the department, the Ratnapark area measured 252 AQI on Tuesday. Likewise, Bhainsepati, Bhaktapur and Kritipur area recorded 173, 164 and 160 respectively.
Login to add a comment