LETTERS (Spotlight Weekly)

Dirty Attention

The success of community forestry program in Nepal has been lauded by one and all (State Vs people Spotlight June 9). In fact, the government had been praised for making the program so successful. And now, it is trying to seek excuses to intervene in the program. This could seriously affect the progress of community forest in the country. The authorities should study the situation carefully before taking any hasty decision.

Sanjeev Khadka
Baluwatar

Let Them Flourish

As the communities have proved that they are capable of maintaining forests if they are allowed to do so, there is no reason for the government to interfere (State Vs People Spotlight June 9). There is no doubt that the government is responsible to manage the natural resources of a country. But since past experiences have shown that the authorities were unable to protect the green blanket of the country, it is logical to allow community to manage it. In any case helping people manage their resources is a right way in a developing country.

Janaki Acharya
Kalanki

Collective Management

The success of community forestry program in Nepal has proved that given right atmosphere, Nepalese people can work collectively to achieve a common goal (State Vs People Spotlight June 9). The sense of ownership that comes with community management has helped protect and even expand the otherwise dwindling forest areas. Because of its success the denuded hills are beginning to sport a dense green look once again. In fact, like forests, it would be logical to hand over other resources also to the local community for better management and greater output.

Bikal Parajuli
Ekanta Kuna

Still Relying On Foreign Aid

Once again, the country's budget has relied heavily on foreign aid (Will It Bring Relief? Spotlight June 2). While it is a well-known fact that our country has not reached a stage where it can refuse foreign aid, at least the government could have decreased its reliance on the foreign loans and assistance. At least the government could have come up with a policy on how and from where it is going to accept foreign assistance and how is it planning to pay them back.

Deepak Khadka
Baneshwor

Unethical Opposition

Apropos your article "Controversial Beginning" (Spotlight June 2), it is clear that some lawmakers of the ruling party are trying to kick off controversy by questioning the credentials of newly appointed chairman of Human Rights Commission Nain Bahadur Khatri. Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and a handful of like-minded MPs have unnecessarily dragged Khatri into controversy. If they are so attached to ethical politics then they should first analyze their own past before slinging mud at others. It is apparent that in the past they have supported moves to appoint many persons of questionable credentials in high posts. It is strange why they have chosen Khatri's appointment to voice their distrust. It is a clear case of double standard.

Sujan Shrestha
Patan

Rhinos On Rise

It is nice to know that the numbers of one-horned rhinos have started to increase in the country (On The Rise Spotlight June 2). Hats-off to the efforts of our conservation officials. It is because of their marvelous job that the number of these rare species have grown. The officials should be recognized for their efforts and encouraged so that they continue to protect wildlife.

Chandra Singh
Sanepa

Clean The Mountains

The issue of accumulation of litters in and around the prime trekking areas is not a new one (A Good Beginning Spotlight June 2). The government, too, has been taking some steps to control the proliferation of litters in these regions. But these steps are not adequate. Apart from taking actions against the culprits, the authorities should also make local people as well as visiting tourists aware about the dangers of throwing litters randomly. There should be a multi-pronged strategy to control garbage in these regions.

Bishnu KC
Thamel