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Air Pollution Fizzles Out In Nepal After Pre-monsoon Rainfall

A domestic aircraft flies in the clear sky above Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 22, 2026, after pre-monsoon rainfall reduces air pollution. The air pollution affecting 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 sharply to 60. An AQI measurement from 0 to 50 is considered 'good', while 51 to 100 'requires alertness'. An AQI of 100 to 150 is 'unhealthy', impacting people with respiratory and heart diseases. It is 'unhealthy for all' if the AQI ranges from 151 to 200, while the 'very unhealthy' stage is 201 to 300, and 'very dangerous' if the AQI is above 300. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13485063
Date Taken	22 March 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

No People domestic aircraft flight clear sky Kathmandu pre-monsoon rainfall air pollution Air Quality Index AQI federal capital pollution decline Kathmandu City most polluted city AQI 178 AQI 60 good AQI alertness AQI unhealthy AQI respiratory diseases heart diseases unhealthy for all very unhealthy AQI very dangerous AQI air quality measurement Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto March 22 2026 pollution affliction AQI ranges sharp decline second most polluted air quality improvement pre-monsoon effect