Wildfires lead to atmospheric hazards in various places

Air pollution in various parts of the country including in the Kathmandu Valley has increased lately due to incidences of forest fires.

According to the Department of Forest and Environment, polluted air has got accumulated in the Kathmandu Valley.

The arrival of polluted air from the western part has affected the Valley's atmosphere. It remains smoggy.

Department director Shibalal Tiwari in a press statement today said that forest fires in 140 locations including in Bara, Parsa and Chitwan have contributed to the air pollution at the excessive level in the Valley and in the central and eastern regions. It is more intense in the mornings and evenings.

 The Department has urged people mainly children, senior citizens, people with breathing issues and with heart diseases to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear mask, glass and take all the possible safety measures in case of urgency to go outside.

 According to meteorologists, Butwal, Patan in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi in Bhaktapur, Ratnapark of Kathmandu, Kritipur and in Hetauda experience atmospheric hazards.

The Air Quality Index showed that the air quality in the above-mentioned area has already crossed the danger line. 0-50 AQI is considered okay for human health, but it has been measured 292 in Butwal followed by 232 in Patan, 222 in Bhaktapur, 191 in Kirtipur, 187 in Madhyapur Thimi, 186 in Ratnapark, and 174 in Hetauda.

It is harmful if it is measured 100-200 and in such situations aged people and children are likely to suffer coughing and breathing complications.

The Department has urged one and all to act against the forest fire and help prevent it in the days ahead.

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