Thick smog and hazardous pollution in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is facing a severe air pollution crisis as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to dangerous levels in recent days. The AQI reached 226 Friday morning with a hazardous peak of 352 recorded on Thursday. The valley’s pollution is due to low rainfall thick dust particles in the air and ongoing wildfires. According to the Swiss-based organization IQ Air Kathmandu is now ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world.
The heavy air pollution impacted air travel. Low visibility caused by thick fog over the city is affecting flight operations at Tribhuwan International Airport. According to Airport Chief Jagannath Niraula flights are being conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) technology due to the reduced visibility. On Wednesday afternoon the visibility was reported to be only 3000 meters when the AQI hit 352 forcing diversions of several flights. Two of Buddha Air’s three mountain flights to Bhairahawa one to Janakpur and flights from Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines were rerouted due to the fog.
With Kathmandu’s pollution levels reaching hazardous levels the Ministry of Health has strongly urged the public to take immediate precautions to protect their health and safety amidst this growing crisis.