Feat This is reference to the news report "Hi-tech, fun and world record to boot" (THT, April 22). It is a feat that cricket has been played in Gorak Shep near Everest Base Camp. Playing at such an altitude has become hot news at the moment. It has brought the focus on Nepal. Nepal understandably can hope to cash in on the publicity that this high altitude cricket play has brought. The players must be congratulated for having achieved one for the world records and another one of their body being able to go for the strenuous exercise of playing at such an altitude.

Rabindra Kakshapati, Kathmandu

Be prepared Apropos of the news report "Regional meet on earthquake meet begins today" (THT, April 22), the need is there for greater awareness among the people in Nepal because it lies in a region that is prone to earthquakes. There have been regular quakes but not of very high intensity in recent years. This fact makes it necessary to increase the level of earthquake preparedness as the experts point out that a high-intensity earthquake can hit any time. If and when it strikes, the loss of life and destruction of property will be very high. Without the tremor resistant dwellings in place and very little other necessary preparedness level, an earthquake could be very devastating. I hope that the government thinks about how the earthquake effects could be mitigated through appropriate action plans.

Bishnu Bhurtel, via e-mail

Take action I agree with the proposal that vehicles older than 20 years ought to be taken off the road. This is necessary because the older vehicles consume more fuel and at the same time are more air polluting. The exhaust fumes of such vehicles are one of the main reasons for the Kathmandu valley air being so polluted. The pollutants in the air are not only carcinogenic but also health hazards, particularly for the young children and the elderly. The government, despite an earlier decision to remove the polluting vehicles, has not been able to move to displace the old vehicles. This is making a mockery of the health of the people which is condemnable. It is necessary that the pollution tests be made more strict and the defaulting vehicles removed from the road. Unless strictness comes into effect, the air will get further polluted and the health of the inhabitants will suffer with the possibly of more premature deaths and a rise in the state expenditure through absenteeism due to sickness and more expenditure in health services. Leniency for the polluting vehicles should not come. It's urgent.

Rita Khadka, via e-mail

Appalling This is in reference to the news "Discrimination mars Elite Cup title defence" (THT, April 22). That the Nepalese players were made to put up in apartments whereas those participating from other countries were boarded in posh hotels is indeed discrimination. The government should take up this issue and find out the reason why the Nepalese cricketers were treated in such a manner.

Nepal may be a poor country and we have nothing against other countries. Therefore, there is no reason for treating the Nepalese sportsperson in such an appalling manner. This could actually affect their performance in defending the title.

If there ware some logistic reasons for the Nepalese players having to stay in apartments instead, let it be known. If there is a valid reason then we could understand the compulsion for the Nepalese squad having to stay in apartments, and not hotels like the players from other countries.

Rakesh Gurung, Lazimpat