Power Point
The cover story “Darkness Rules” (SPOTLIGHT February 23) provided a comprehensive analysis of the state of power generation in the country. It provided how the polity makers and planners failed to predict such a power crisis in the country. The people are now paying for their short sightedness. Perhaps this episode will teach our leaders some good lessons so that in future we will not have to face such crippling problem.
Ganesh Baidya
Siphal
Country Of Shortages
You go to a petrol pump, there is a long queue. You go to neighborhood grocery stores, the prices of basic essential goods are sky-rocketing. You open the tap, there is no water. You switch on the bulb, there is no power. As if, these domestic problems were not enough, you are compelled to bear all kinds of inconveniences like incessant traffic jams, sudden and jolting bandhs, agitation, sit-ins, lock-ups, gheraoes and rallies. Welcome to the new Nepal (“Darkness Rules” SPOTLIGHT February 23). Its not merely a matter of bad power crisis. The country appears to be suffering from massive meltdown. There is not a semblance of law and order. Anybody who can gather a few dozen people and brandish threats (weapons are better), can get the government meet any kind of demand. Everyone says that dialogue is the best way of overcoming country’s crisis. But amid the cacophony of demands, dialogue cannot be held unless all the participants agree to shout. And when you resort to shouting and hollering, logic and rationale will be lost. As every segment of society wants to guarantee its fair share and representation in the forthcoming Constituent Assembly (CA), one cannot simply cast aside the shoutings and hollerings. But there is a limit to everything. Now not a single day passes when there is not a bandh in any part of the country. From the yesteryears of Nepal bandh, we now seem to have graduated. We are no longer content with announcing one day of Nepal bandh – there has to be a series of capital valley and district bandhs leading up to indefinite nationwide bandh. And the word blockade has also gained currency. Naturally, due to these happenings, the people are thoroughly frustrated. They are no longer sure when leaders blurt out the rhetoric of new Nepal. Slowly but surely, they are developing the yearning for the old Nepal. This is a portent for disaster. The clock cannot be turned back. As such, it is now for the leaders to come up with a solution soon. Otherwise, it does not need a Sherlock Holmes to predict what will happen. Already there are enough doubts about the CA polls. Nobody is certain that they will be held on stipulated time. There must emerge a leadership that can soothe the people and give them confidence. Nepalese people urgently require reassurances about the future of their dreams of building new Nepal.
Rakesh KC
Satdobato
Power Less
The cover story (“Darkness Rules” SPOTLIGHT February 23) shows that the authorities still want to go for bigger hydropower projects that are export-oriented. It is crystal clear that it is the height of stupidity to talk about exporting power when you are suffering from six hours of power cuts a day. Why don’t the authorities go for projects that can be built quickly to fulfill the acute needs. In the last three months also the authorities have not been able to put together any one project on ground. They are content talking about mega projects and selling dreams to the people. They have not shown that they are actually working to end the crisis.
Janardan Thapaliya
Maitidevi
After CA
These days the leaders have been saying that everything will be alright after the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections (“Darkness Rules” SPOTLIGHT February 23). When any one approaches them with some demands, the leaders ask them to come after CA. They say their concentration is on holding CA not on petty issues like drinking water, fuel or electricity. Perhaps, taps and bulbs will automatically come to life after the CA.
Sangita Rai
Bishalnagar
Monarch In A Mess
The message by King Gyanendra on Democracy Day (Ruffling of Feathers, SPOTLIGHT February 23) was highly uncalled for. There was no need for the King to remind the people about his infamous February 1 step, much less defend it. The royal advisors must have made a blunder by suggesting the tone and text of the message, which has been duly taken up by some sections of politicians who want to declare republic right away.
Kiran Gartaula
Kopundole
