Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the ‘Kathmandu Metropolitan Air Quality Monitoring Dashboard’ to monitor air pollution levels in the city.
The dashboard displays real-time data on PM2.5 levels and the Air Quality Index (AQI) collected from devices installed at 18 different locations. It categorises air quality using various colours to indicate levels of health risk and provides public health advisories.
The launch of this dashboard took place on World Environment Day.
The air quality levels are represented using six colours. Green indicates good air quality. Yellow represents moderate levels. Orange signifies air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Red indicates unhealthy conditions for everyone, especially harmful for sensitive individuals. Purple shows very unhealthy air quality for the public. Maroon (dark brownish-grey) represents hazardous conditions, with severe health impacts for all, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.
The system includes a colour-coded health advisory board and space for air pollution awareness videos. It also allows users to view progress reports on vehicle emission checks.
Air pollution monitoring devices have been installed in Kshetrapati Hospital, Lainchaur, Kalanki Chowk, Balaju Baisdhara Park, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Thapathali, and the Regional Office of the Metropolitan Police Force, New Bus Park.
