KATHMANDU: Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley is decreasing.

This afternoon, air pollution has reduced and the air quality index (AQI) has reached 99.

Last Tuesday, the AQI of the valley had reached 191 at 1 pm, whereas on Wednesday at the same time it had fallen to 114.

The Department of Environment said that air pollution level in the Kathmandu Valley has decreased along with the rate of occurrence of wind.

As per the latest AQI, Kathmandu, which was listed as the third most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, has dropped to 18th place today.

At present, Lahore in Pakistan is in first place with 373 AQI, and Kolkata, India is in second place with 186 AQI.

Director General of the Department of Environment, Gyanaraj Subedi, said that air pollution increases during dry weather and decreases during rainfall and windy conditions.

AQI 101–150, highlighted in orange, is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, who may experience health effects.