"POLLUTE"

#13456654

16 Mar 2026

Snow-capped mountain ranges are visible behind the Narayanhiti Palace as air quality improves in the Kathmandu Valley following rainfall and snowfall in surrounding regions in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 16, 2026. The precipitation has helped clear the thick smog that had blanketed the capital in recent days, significantly improving visibility. Earlier in the week, Kathmandu ranked among the world's most polluted cities, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching very unhealthy levels above 200, placing the city among the top three most polluted cities globally according to data from IQAir's AirVisual monitoring platform.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13456655

16 Mar 2026

Snow-capped mountain ranges are visible behind the Narayanhiti Palace as air quality improves in the Kathmandu Valley following rainfall and snowfall in surrounding regions in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 16, 2026. The precipitation has helped clear the thick smog that had blanketed the capital in recent days, significantly improving visibility. Earlier in the week, Kathmandu ranked among the world's most polluted cities, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching very unhealthy levels above 200, placing the city among the top three most polluted cities globally according to data from IQAir's AirVisual monitoring platform.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13456656

16 Mar 2026

Snow-capped mountain ranges are visible behind the Narayanhiti Palace as air quality improves in the Kathmandu Valley following rainfall and snowfall in surrounding regions in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 16, 2026. The precipitation has helped clear the thick smog that had blanketed the capital in recent days, significantly improving visibility. Earlier in the week, Kathmandu ranked among the world's most polluted cities, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching very unhealthy levels above 200, placing the city among the top three most polluted cities globally according to data from IQAir's AirVisual monitoring platform.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13439095

13 Mar 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13439096

13 Mar 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13439097

13 Mar 2026

Swayambhunath temple appears faintly in the distance as thick smog blankets the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. The capital experiences severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 200 and 250, placing it in the ''very unhealthy'' category and ranking Kathmandu among the world's most polluted cities, according to the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the most dangerous airborne pollutant because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3--while PM10 levels stand at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved AQI scale, readings above 200 indicate very unhealthy conditions. The Ministry of Health and Population urges residents to take precautions, warning that prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and may contribute to illnesses including asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other respiratory infections. Research shows that sustained exposure to high levels of particulate pollution significantly increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13439098

13 Mar 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13436320

12 Mar 2026

A man cooks using coal-fired ovens amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Kolkata, India, on March 12, 2026. The government allows the commercial use of alternative fuels such as kerosene, coal, and biomass to ease pressure on LPG supply channels amid countrywide reports of shortage as the West Asia conflict rages on. Compared to LPG, which is a clean fuel, kerosene, coal, and biomass are polluter fuels that are harmful to the environment. The briefing, attended by senior officials from the ministries of petroleum, shipping, external affairs, and information and broadcasting, outlines measures taken by the government to safeguard the country's interests in view of the conflict. On the supply of kerosene, Sharma says that the Centre allocates to states on a quarterly basis, at almost 1 lakh kilolitre per quarter. She adds that the Centre issues an order to release an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to state governments, and that it is now the responsibility of states to identify true beneficiaries for distribution.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13436321

12 Mar 2026

A man cooks using coal-fired ovens amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Kolkata, India, on March 12, 2026. The government allows the commercial use of alternative fuels such as kerosene, coal, and biomass to ease pressure on LPG supply channels amid countrywide reports of shortage as the West Asia conflict rages on. Compared to LPG, which is a clean fuel, kerosene, coal, and biomass are polluter fuels that are harmful to the environment. The briefing, attended by senior officials from the ministries of petroleum, shipping, external affairs, and information and broadcasting, outlines measures taken by the government to safeguard the country's interests in view of the conflict. On the supply of kerosene, Sharma says that the Centre allocates to states on a quarterly basis, at almost 1 lakh kilolitre per quarter. She adds that the Centre issues an order to release an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to state governments, and that it is now the responsibility of states to identify true beneficiaries for distribution.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13436337

12 Mar 2026

A man cooks using coal-fired ovens amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Kolkata, India, on March 12, 2026. The government allows the commercial use of alternative fuels such as kerosene, coal, and biomass to ease pressure on LPG supply channels amid countrywide reports of shortage as the West Asia conflict rages on. Compared to LPG, which is a clean fuel, kerosene, coal, and biomass are polluter fuels that are harmful to the environment. The briefing, attended by senior officials from the ministries of petroleum, shipping, external affairs, and information and broadcasting, outlines measures taken by the government to safeguard the country's interests in view of the conflict. On the supply of kerosene, Sharma says that the Centre allocates to states on a quarterly basis, at almost 1 lakh kilolitre per quarter. She adds that the Centre issues an order to release an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to state governments, and that it is now the responsibility of states to identify true beneficiaries for distribution.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435202

12 Mar 2026

People overlook the polluted haze covering Kathmandu Valley from a hill station in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026, as the Air Quality Index of the bowl-shaped valley continues to dip. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435203

12 Mar 2026

A thick layer of polluted haze covers Kathmandu Valley as seen from a hill station in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, records at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435204

12 Mar 2026

A thick layer of polluted haze covers Kathmandu Valley as seen from a hill station in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, records at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435205

12 Mar 2026

A thick layer of polluted haze covers Kathmandu Valley as seen from a hill station in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435206

12 Mar 2026

People overlook the polluted haze covering Kathmandu Valley from a hill station in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026, as the Air Quality Index of the bowl-shaped valley continues to dip. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13435199

12 Mar 2026

Vehicles ply on the roads of Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 12, 2026, as polluted haze covers the valley, plummeting the Air Quality Index. The city's Air Quality Index ranges between 200 to 250 in the "very unhealthy" category, well above the threshold of 150 that is considered unhealthy and past the 200 mark that signals very unhealthy air. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, the most dangerous category of airborne pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3. Coarse particulate matter, PM10, stands at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved Air Quality Index scale, a reading of 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and anything above 300 hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population urges all residents to take precautions. According to the ministry, prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and can contribute to conditions including asthma and cancer.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.