Rethink the decision:

The news item “Government all set to privatise National Parks” published in THT on February 7 was shocking. The decision to privatise national parks is because of the government’s poor management, corrupt mentality and short-sightedness. National parks are the wealth of the nation and established to protect and conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and are an important source of foreign exchange.

How can the rich biodiversity be measured in terms of economic gains? How can they contribute to the economy with poor management? National parks have never caused a heavy loss and the government also receives sufficient amount of maintenance from various organisations. There are no parties with proven management capabilities, except the KMTNC. It is simply a conspiracy of those who want to skip their responsibility by handing over our national wealth to a group of people for their benefit. The government must rethink its decision.

Mohan P Devkota PhD, TU, via e-mail

Indigestible:

I watched the Fire Side programme on Katipur TV on February 6. The parallel drawn by Professor J Subedi between the present rulers and “Panchayati Ghost” was atypical. But his analysis of Nepal’s social bankruptcy was not digestible. In my opinion it is our social

character to support the powerful. Dr Subedi’s undertone appeared to be a reflection of the classic American expression ‘been there and done it’.

Sushil Subedee, via e-mail

Weak claim:

This refers to the report “Economy is on right track” published in THT on February 7. The state minister for finance, Dr. Roop Jyoti’s claim that the economy is on the right track is weak. Inflation is soaring as experts warn of double-digit inflation, unless the current crisis is

resolved. The Nepal Rastra Bank talks of 8.5 per cent inflation in the first four months of the current fiscal year which was a mere 2.5 per cent in the first quarter of the preceding year.

Besides, domestic debt touches Rs. 90 billion, a three-fold rise over the last decade. The staggering debt may cause severe macro-economic imbalances, thus discouraging potential

investors by damaging capital flow to private sectors and raising interest rates. Foreign aid flow has been curtailed. Balance of payments with major trading partners is deteriorating. Remittance is the only viable source that sustains the stagnant economy. The statement may have come to console the public.

Prakash Bagale, via e-mail

Preach not:

I disagree with Tulsi Prasad Acharya’s ideas expressed in the Midway piece “Duty and Beauty” published in THT on February 8. He states “Duty and Beauty never go together.” Duty and beauty are two different things but both play a major role in our lives. Everyone wants to look beautiful and we can’t say that beautiful people are unaware of their duties. Acharya should not force his sisters to be the way he wants them to be because it’s their life and they have the right to choose their ways. If they feel more confident wearing lipstick and powder then they should carry on with it.

Ritika Bista, Ghattekulo, Kathmandu