Kathmandu. Air pollution is increasing in the Kathmandu Valley. The air quality, which had been improving after the rains, has suddenly dropped to the ‘very unhealthy’ level.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air quality index (AQI) was around 92 at noon on Tuesday and it rose to 247 at 11:00 am today. This level is in the category of ‘very unhealthy’ and can affect the health of the public.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “moderate”, 101 and 150 “unhealthy”, 151 and 200 “unhealthy”, 201 and 300 “very unhealthy”, and 300 “very dangerous”. According to Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, lack of rainfall, increasing drought, burning of agricultural residues and incidents of forest fires have played major role in the increase in air pollution. “Drought is increasing in the absence of rain at present, which has helped to accumulate dust and smoke in the atmosphere,” he said, adding that the particulate matter in the air would settle in the ground and the pollution would decrease if it rained. ”

According to him, the bodies concerned have been urged to implement sustainable and environment-friendly development measures effectively.

Meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Binu Maharjan said there was no possibility of significant rainfall in the next three days and the temperature would rise further. “The atmosphere cannot be clean in absence of rain, which has the possibility of further increasing pollution,” he said.

In particular, children, senior citizens and those with respiratory and heart diseases will be affected by air pollution. It is recommended not to go out, wear a mask and avoid dust and smoke except when absolutely necessary.