 |
||
|
||
LETTERS |
|
||
|
||
LETTERS |
Turn It Into A Model Apropos your cover story "Urbanization
Blues" (SPOTLIGHT, April 26), it is imperative that the central government,
ministries, departments and municipalities work in an integrated manner to restore the
glory of Kathmandu valley. Let's make Kathmandu a model city in the world. This can be
done if all of us extend our full cooperation and work in unison. Residents of the valley
have a huge responsibility in this endeavor. Sita Kafle Ugly Kathmandu The haphazard construction of houses has
made the face of Kathmandu uglier by the day ("Urbanization Blues", SPOTLIGHT
April 26). It seems there is a lack of clarity on the roles and responsibilities of
various authorities. Nobody is taking action against those who violate the building code.
In order to preserve the ancient glory of Kathmandu, it is important that the government
clearly spell out and delineate responsibilities, and delegate authority to the concerned
agencies. Pratap Shrestha Re-making Kathmandu Kathmandu city is fast losing its ancient
heritage and attraction ("Urbanization Blues", SPOTLIGHT, April 26). The
construction of unplanned concrete boxes has undermined the aesthetic beauty of the city.
Long regarded as a city of ancient traditions, Kathmandu is losing its pristine image by
current activities. Although it may not be possible to demolish all the houses built in
such a haphazard manner, we can at least stop new constructions. Kunal KC Pollution And Education It would be wrong to say that the last 12
years have not brought modernity and development to the country, especially in view of the
numerous buildings and houses that have been constructed all over the capital. But this
construction boom has brought the horrendous problem of water pollution ("City
Blight", SPOTLIGHT, Apri1 19). As a result, there are beautiful buildings on the
decrepit, dirty streets where sewage flows in the open. Haphazard urbanization, unplanned
settlements and the ever-increasing influx of people is turning Kathmandu into an
unmanaged, uninspiring, boring concrete jungle. Improper water management is leading to an
increase in communicable, water-borne diseases. It is a shame that strategies devised to
protect and regenerate the environment have brought no tangible improvements. The
depressing picture of water pollution is painted in annual reports, but have we been
taking stock of the magnitude of the problem? It is a crude irony that people do not get
enough drinking water in the capital of a country endowed with so many rivers and streams.
Poor sewage facilities have exacerbated the problem. Environmental degradation is turning
beautiful Kathmandu into a horrifying city filled with dead and ugly rivers carrying
discharge from domestic and industrial waste and biological contamination. It is
surprising that in spite of so many organizations working on environmental issues, hardly
any concrete action has been taken. We must use the means at our disposal — basic and
applied research and public education — to improve this situation. Above all, we need
firm government action. Why can't we try to have a prosperous, productive society without
destroying the environment? The will to succeed on the waterfront should come from the
urban masses. It is time to address this issue on a national scale and seek lasting
solutions. We must become alert to the menace of water pollution and join hands with the
government to controlling it. Let's start before it's too late. Moheindu Chemjong Act Of Imbalance Your story "Checks Without
Balances" (SPOTLIGHT, April 19) offered remarkable insights into the consequences of
empowering an unaccountable body like the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of
Authority (CIAA). Indeed, the lawmakers were under great pressure to come up with
stringent anti-corruption laws. But they seem to have lost their wisdom in their
desperation to frame such laws. Otherwise, what would have driven them to empower a body
like the CIAA, instead of granting more authority to the executive and pressuring it to do
more to curb corruption? Nevertheless, lawmakers have shown a degree of seriousness by
framing new anti corruption legislation. Let's hope they will monitor the actions of the
CIAA closely in the days ahead. Sudhir Dahal |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
