Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley has eased, with the AQI falling to 99 from a high of 191 last week. Strong winds helped disperse pollutants, moving the city down to 18th on the global pollution ranking, while authorities urge sustainable measures and public caution.
Nepal Verified News
Fri Feb 20 2026
Air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley have improved, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 99 this afternoon, returning to the “moderate” category. Last Tuesday, the AQI had peaked at 191, falling to 114 on Wednesday. The Department of Environment attributed the improvement to stronger winds dispersing pollutants.
Globally, Kathmandu, previously ranked the third most polluted city, has now fallen to 18th place. Lahore tops the list with an AQI of 373, followed by Kolkata at 186.
Gyanraj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment, explained that pollution rises in dry weather and decreases with rain and wind. “Rain settles dust and particles, and stronger winds disperse pollution,” he said, urging authorities to implement sustainable development measures.
Environmentalist Bhushan Tuladhar stressed proactive steps such as leaf litter management, forest fire control, regular vehicle emission checks, and enforcement of environmental standards.
AQI standards classify 0–50 as good (green), 51–100 as moderate (yellow), 101–150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 as unhealthy for all, 201–300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. With the current AQI at 99, Kathmandu’s air is moderately polluted, and sensitive individuals should remain cautious.
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