Editorial photo #13485054 Human Interest

Air Pollution Fizzles Out In Nepal After Pre-monsoon Rainfall

The Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is seen from a hill station surrounding Kathmandu Valley after pre-monsoon rainfall reduces air pollution on March 22, 2026. Air pollution in the country, including the federal capital, Kathmandu, has declined significantly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) previously stood at 178, making Kathmandu the second most polluted city in the world a week ago. The AQI has now decreased to 60. An AQI measurement from 0 to 50 is considered 'good', while 51 to 100 'requires alertness'. Levels from 100 to 150 are 'unhealthy' for people with respiratory and heart diseases. An AQI from 151 to 200 is 'unhealthy for all', 201 to 300 is 'very unhealthy', and above 300 is 'very dangerous'. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #13485054
Date taken: 22 March 2026
Location: —
Photographer: Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category: Human Interest

Related keywords

No People Swaymbhunath Stupa UNESCO World Heritage Site Kathmandu Valley pre-monsoon rainfall air pollution Kathmandu federal capital Air Quality Index AQI pollution decline Kathmandu City second most polluted AQI 178 AQI 60 AQI measurement good air quality requires alertness unhealthy air respiratory diseases heart diseases unhealthy for all very unhealthy stage very dangerous AQI March 22 2026 hill station air quality improvement environmental impact air quality standards global pollution ranking Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto.