Kathmandu, Dec. 15 -- The Kathmandu Metropolitan City said that it is ready to resume emission testing of polluting vehicles, both private and public. The testing was suspended in mid-July.

The prolonged halt of pollution control measures has raised serious concerns, as the dry season has already set in. Kathmandu Valley is witnessing a spike in air pollution in the morning, with the air quality index reaching very unhealthy levels.

Officials said that the city office has hired mechanical engineers to carry out emission testing. Emission testing was suspended at the end of last fiscal year after the previous mechanical engineer's contract expired, and the office faced a shortage of staff.

"We have hired a new engineer, and will resume ...