Pollution in Jhapa

Jhapa district is known for its rich soil fertility and is suitable for, among other things, tea plantation. Recently, many new industries like cement factories are being established in Duwagadi area, and their number is increasing. However, the residents there are unhappy because of the noise and air pollution caused by them. Though the industries that are being set up might help boost the economy, it seems the local people have nothing much to gain from these factories as they do not even get jobs there. Another important question is: Where do the produced goods go from these factories, as they are not available in the local market?

The authorities should take necessary steps to monitor these factories so that they do not pollute the environment.

Prasanna Karki, Jhapa

Traffic chaos

I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the woeful traffic system prevailing in the Kathmandu Valley. The traffic jams that occur at the major intersections and roundabouts like Chabahil, Koteshwor, Tripureshwor and Kalanki have caused great inconvenience to the public. We can never be sure if we will reach anywhere in time. It is frustrating to wait for hours in the vehicle for the jam to clear. The ever-growing number of public as well as private vehicles, narrow roads, gross neglect and violation of traffic rules, the belligerent and unconcerned street-hawkers are some of the major factors contributing to this traffic mess, impeding the free movement of the pedestrians.

It would help if the government managed a better and cheaper public transport system in an environment-friendly style. I feel that the government should urgently regulate the purchase of private vehicles like cars and bikes. The suffocating traffic jams that the commoners face daily are basically on account of private vehicles. The government should levy high taxes on such luxury items and be service-oriented. I am in favour of large vehicles like the ones conducted by Kirtipur Yatayat that can ferry many passengers comfortably, cheaply, efficiently and regularly rather than the suffocating microbuses that charge high fares and dump people one upon another.

Nirajan Thapaliya, Kapan

Unfair

Nepal is known for its unity in diversity as communities with different languages, traditions and cultures live in harmony. However, the people living in the Tarai are usually left behind and have been exploited, dominated and even discriminated. It is unfortunate that they have not received fair treatment. Everyone should be treated equally as all citizens enjoy equal civil liberties.

Shiva Nandan Jaishwal, Rupandehi

Education

Recently we observed the 31st Education Day by organising various programmes. But the most striking feature of the Day was that almost all the programmes were set up for Kathmandu and celebrated only in the Valley, as a number of schools and colleges in other parts of the country have remained closed for a long time. This is a clear indication of how the education sector has been affected by the political upheavals in the country. Worse, students have been prevented from taking part in the Education Day celebrations. The concerned authorities should adopt every possible measure to make the education sector free from politics.

Ambika Pandey, Chitwan