26 March 2021, Friday

Kathmandu Valley experienced worst air quality. It was blanketed by the toxic heavy haze due to sudden unusual change in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and once again Kathmandu breathed most polluted and toxic air. Particulate matters (Pm 2.5) index was recorded 303.89 µg/m³ during 3 to 4 pm on the same day. People were suffering from burning eye sensation and difficulty in breathing. The haze was thick enough to block the sun. All domestic flights were cancelled due to poor visibility. And many school and colleges in Kathmandu valley were closed and declared as holiday for about 4 days for the sake of health.

Reasons as reported were dry season, forest fire and of course the klins, vehicles, industrial smoke etc. Since November 2020, 2,087 forest fires had been reported in 73 districts out of 77.  524 wildfires were reported within 24 hours on March 24.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is the index to notify public about the air pollution and health risk on daily basis. According to WHO, AQI index must be below 35. This condition is said to be healthy. AQI of 50-100 is said to be common but more than 200 is harmful and toxic. And the perfect example for this can be explained by the day darkness or low visibility during Friday. The pale yellow sky as an Instagram filter, the trapped smoke in the environment, low wind speed, burning eyes, and shut the door and traps oneself in the room once again is the summary of the day.

Drought like situation played a vital role. Small fire sparks turned into the disaster. This incident may happen again if the people over here don’t be responsible and at least for now until this dry season ends and monsoon begins, pay attention and keep the wildlife free from fire. Vegetation has damaged, wildlife has been damaged, and environment has been damaged, what would be next, let's think and be aware.