Emitting less carbon dioxide:

Regarding the news item “Nepal to ratify Kyoto protocol in due course,” published in THT on February 17, I would like to point out that the industrialised countries have a greater responsibility to ratify the treaty and cut their emission rates of greenhouse gases. Nepal contributes only a small fraction to the overall emission levels. But countries like the US and Australia, two of the biggest consumers of fossil fuels, emit far greater levels of carbon dioxide. But these are also the two countries that have failed to comply with the Kyoto treaty. Although embracing the treaty will mean incurring extra expenses, the world’s superpower must comply with what 141 other countries think is a valid cause to cut down carbon dioxide emissions. Bringing down the emissions to pre-1990 levels by 2012 is only a small but a significant step. The world must unite to find new sources of cleaner energy like wind and solar power.

Pratiksha Panday,

Kathmandu

Awareness:

Though Nepal is considered the second richest country in terms of water resources, Nepalis live under dire shortage of water. In cities people get water to some extent but in the rural areas they have to walk long distances to fetch water. Most of the village women are forced to waste precious time and energy in the process. Because of the lack of pure drinking water, people in villages are suffering and dying of water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, etc. Besides, illiteracy has barred people from understanding the importance of safe and pure drinking water. Therefore, in order to tackle this problem, the government, NGOs and INGOs need to raise awareness through education. Water plays a vital role in our daily lives. The importance of water cannot be neglected. We should use it properly and keep the water sources clean. People should know that disposing wastes in water is harmful.

Shiva Bastola, GEMS School, Lalitpur

Be patient:

I support Nigita Shrestha’s opinion expressed in her letter “Don’t punish” published in THT on February 14, in which Shrestha wrote that scolding or punishing children for their smallest mistakes does not help and harsh punishment may ultimately lead to psychological disorder in them. To make her point, she gave the example of her family.

My family had to go through a similar situation. My sister took rat poison for not being given permission to watch her favourite TV programme. My mother had harshly scolded and slapped her.

I believe we have to spend some good time with the children and try to tell them what is right and wrong instead of punishing them. And most importantly, parents should be friendly and patient to instil positive values in their children.

Sandip, via e-mail

Rescue them:

The number of street children is increasing in Nepal. They are often seen wondering in the urban areas begging for money, at times engaging in pick-pocketing and even stealing food. They live under unhygienic conditions and sleep in the footpaths in cold winter nights and hot summer days. They are vulnerable to diseases and can easily be exploited.

It is the duty of every citizen to help these children. The authorities concerned should pay immediate attention to this matter and rehabilitate them.

Ganesh Niraula, Birganj