Preparation For SAARC And After

The 11th SAARC summit, which was postponed in 1999, is being held in Kathmandu in a few days’ time. This is the second time, after the 4th summit in 1987, that Nepal is hosting the regional conference. As a part of the preparation for the much awaited summit, the capital city is being given a face-lift. Taking into account the summit, the government and other concerned bodies have been carrying out works such as road maintenance, sanitation and traffic management. Some major roads of the city look better now as they are expanded and blacktopped. The garbage management also seems to have improved significantly. Comfortable roads and clean environment of Kathmandu will certainly give a good impression to the distinguished guests, who are coming here to participate in the summit. But the condition of many roads and streets of the city is still not good. Garbage are found scattered on the banks of the Bagmati, the Bishnumati and other small rivulets. To improve their condition, the concerned bodies need to take initiative. I hope that the government will give continuity to these activities even after the summit.

Bharat Man Dawadi
Kuleshwar, Kathmandu