Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has once again topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world. The city's air quality index (AQI) has been consistently above 300, which is considered "hazardous" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The pollution in Kathmandu has been attributed to a number of factors, including rapid urbanization, the use of fossil fuels, and the burning of garbage and agricultural waste. However, the recent forest fires that have engulfed large areas of the country have also contributed to the worsening of the air quality in the city.The forest fires, which have been raging for weeks, have resulted in a thick layer of smoke and haze that has blanketed the city, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems for many residents. The government has been struggling to control the fires, which have destroyed thousands of hectares of forest and wildlife habitat. The situation has been further aggravated by the lack of rainfall in the region, which has made it difficult for firefighters to contain the fires. The government has appealed for international assistance to help tackle the situation. Courtesy: ANI