The cityscapes of Kathmandu and Pokhara are fading, covered by a blanket of smog, which is impacting tourism and health.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu is one of the world’s most polluted cities. Occasional wind or rainfall may clear things up for a day, but then the smokescreen returns, blocking the view and irritating eyes and lungs. The Nepalese capital is the 22nd on the list, with an AQI of 77. This is seen as ‘moderate’ but should be perceived as a signal for caution.
