KATHMANDU: Air pollution levels in Kathmandu Valley remained alarmingly high on Sunday, continuing to raise serious public health concerns.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the Valley ranked as the world’s most polluted city as of 12 noon, with an AQI reading of 180 classified as “unhealthy.” In comparison, New Delhi ranked second globally with an AQI of 163.

As per guidelines from the World Health Organization, AQI levels should ideally stay below 35 for optimal human health, while levels up to 50 are still considered acceptable. Any reading above this threshold begins to pose health risks.

An AQI between 51 and 100 is categorized as moderate, while 101-150 is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, including individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Levels between 151 and 200 are considered unhealthy for the general public, with higher ranges indicating increasingly severe health hazards.

Although pollution levels have slightly decreased since Friday due to light rainfall and wind, conditions remain unsafe.

According to Gyanraj Subedi, Director General of the Department of Environment the spike in pollution has been attributed to prolonged dry weather, lack of rainfall, open burning of agricultural residues and ongoing forest fires.