Kathmandu air quality deteriorates to ‘very unhealthy’ levels, flight operations disrupted

Kathmandu: A thick layer of mist covered the Kathmandu Valley, pushed into the ‘very unhealthy’ category on Monday, the air quality index (AQI).
According to the monitoring of the Forest Ministry and the environmental air quality of the environment, the air quality in Bhasipati was classified as ‘dangerous’, which is 2:30 pm (local time) with a US AQI reading of 333.
On Monday afternoon, dense, polluted mist at Tribon International Airport (TIA) disrupted flight operations, causing at least half a dozen international flights.
According to Tia spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, Jazeera Airways, Air India and fly flights were unable to land in the morning due to poor visibility.
“This morning, visibility was only 1,600 meters, which did not meet the standards required for landing,” Sherpa said. “Now, visibility has improved 3,000 meters, but dust and gauge continue to face challenges.”
Two flights from Jazeera Airways and Air India were redirected to Varanasi, India, while a fly Dubai flight was taken to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahwa. Other flights faced a low delay before landing.
Other flights faced a small grip before landing.
Dipesh Darshanhari, a resident of Kathmandu, described the effect of deteriorating pollution. “Pollution has increased tremendously. Taking care of the Kathmandu Valley, it is all covered with a thick brown haze, sinking visibility. I am also feeling burning in my eyes.
According to the air quality index, the PM2.5 concentration in the Kathmandu Valley was at 209.8 UG/M3. PM2.5 refers to particles (solid or liquid droplets) in the air which is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
These fine particles are among the most dangerous air pollutants because they can bypass the nose and throat, enter the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream. Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles are suspended in the air for an extended period, which increases the risk of breathing.
Kathmandu, known for its medieval palaces and temples, is the largest metropolitan region in Nepal. It acts as a center for history, art, culture, education, healthcare and economy.
In recent years, air pollution in Nepal has become a major environmental and public health crisis, which has recorded 4.9 times higher pollution levels compared to the recommended standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The deteriorating air quality in Kathmandu is putting hundreds of thousands of Nepali at risk of serious health problems. The WHO has consistently identified air pollution as a major risk factor for death and disability in Nepal.
Air quality deteriorating air quality has become an important public health concern, which contributes to diseases and deaths related to air pollution. It also keeps a economic burden on the country due to lost productivity and pressure on health resources. Additionally, along with the entire range of health and economic results of air pollution, there is a lack of comprehensive health impact assessment to determine the regional measures required to deal with this environmental challenge.