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LETTERS |
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LETTERS |
Environmental Action SPOTLIGHT has made a laudable effort toward
involving the general public, policy makers and donor agencies in controlling
environmental degradation by doing a marvellous cover story ("Suffocating City",
SPOTLIGHT, January 3). Since everyone's attention is riveted on political movements,
serious subjects like the environment are sidelined. As a result, health and public life
are ignored. Urban residents, especially those in Kathmandu, are the worst victims of
environmental degradation, whether it is air, water or noise pollution. A growing number
of people are suffering from asthma, allergies and many skin problems, posing a heavy
burden on the nation's coffers. I hope stories like yours will encourage officials and the
general public to take appropriate steps against brick-kilns, old vehicles and illegal
industries that are endangering lives through all kinds of pollution. Pukar Dhakal Deadly Fumes Due to the dry weather and stagnant air in
cup-shaped Kathmandu valley, air pollution rises to lethal heights each winter. This is
also the best season for brick kilns to operate at optimum capacity. The low-quality fuel
kiln owners use to cut production costs send deadly smoke into the sky, seriously
undermining public health. Vehicle owners are doing the same thing to save money. However,
they should not forget that they and their families are inhaling the same poisonous air.
They cannot save their lungs from the pollution their actions are activating. Bishnu Sunuwar Politics, Please At a time when the country is facing a
grave political crisis, SPOTLIGHT is busy covering less relevant matters. It is true that
such issues as girl trafficking, child victims of violence and privatization are being
ignored by the Nepalese media. However, this recognition should not prevent SPOTLIGHT from
doing cover stories on the latest political moves. In the last half-dozen issues, you have
failed to touch political matters with the seriousness they deserve. Umesh Maharjan Act Now By putting on hold their indefinite strike
in education institutions, the Maoists' student wing has shown some sensitivity to the
future of young school-going children ("Short-Lived Soccer?" SPOTLIGHT, December
27). Their irrational act had almost destroyed the educational environment. Parents,
students and teachers have breathed a sigh of relief, but only temporarily. The student
group has warned of a resumption of the strike if their demands are not met. The
government should take serious steps right now to uphold the right of children to go to
school, either by providing proper security or fulfilling the reasonable demands put
forward by the student organization. Manoj Khatiwada Deeper Roots Girl trafficking has many dimensions
("Immoral Trade Feeds On Violence And Migration", SPOTLIGHT, December 27). If we
consider violence and migration as the main reasons behind this inhumane and immoral
trade, however, it would be tantamount to saying the problem did not exist before the
Maoist insurgency began. I think economic and social disparities, injustice and
unavailability of life-sustaining job opportunities at the rural level have contributed to
this flourishing trade. If the state can provide sufficient employment opportunities
within the country, no girl would agree to cross the border with anyone. Manju Sharma Tremor Tasks Given its geographical position, Nepal is
vulnerable to frequent earthquakes ("Disaster Drill", SPOTLIGHT, December 27).
The danger from this natural disaster lies mostly in urban areas like Kathmandu valley
because of their heavy population concentration and concrete structures. In Kathmandu,
houses and buildings are constructed without incorporating safety measures against
earthquakes. The laws are outdated and unscientific. Unfortunately, even the limited legal
tools that exist are not being implemented. Popular centers like Asan and Bhaktapur in
Kathmandu valley are at added risk. The people are not properly aware of disaster
management systems that should be adopted before and after tremors. Amid such uncertainty,
the government is expected to take tough measures to control, manage and systematize
public construction works in tandem with the local bodies and people. Basudev Acharya Ailing Tourism Tourism in Nepal is plunging to new depths
of despair. As the only reliable source of foreign exchange and a significant contributor
to the gross national product, tourism has always acquired top priority among planners,
policy makers and the private sector. Moreover, the aviation and hotel industries are
totally reliant upon a steady inflow of tourists ("Struggle For Survival"
SPOTLIGHT, December 27). Decline in tourist arrivals directly leads to huge unemployment,
which in turn exacerbates the economic slowdown. If we are to save the economy from
complete ruin, we must revive the tourism sector as soon as possible. Madhav Khanal |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
