Kathmandu, March 13 -- Air in Kathmandu Valley has already turned toxic and the peak forest fire season is nearing.

Environmentalists, as well as air quality experts, say that the worst air pollution is yet to come, as no measures have been taken to prevent fires, which engulf almost all forests throughout the country in the dry season every year.

What is concerning is that the problem has not been recognised as such by any agency in the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, which is responsible for coordinating efforts of risk reduction with provincial and local authorities, lacks a focal person to oversee forest fire management for over six months.

"An expert on forest fires serving under our ministr...