Bird flu and some advice

The government seems to be doing its best to make it clear that bird flu has been

contained in Jhapa. There are reasons to believe that the culling of the thousands of chickens and ducks may have stopped the advance of the disease to other parts of the country. But, after that initial publicity, very little seems to be flowing in as to the measures taken to check the health of the chicken slaughtered for meat in the country. As a resident of Kathmandu, I find that not much inspection and monitoring is being conducted by the health

inspectors here. This is rather unfortunate as the medium of bird flu spreading is not only limited to the domesticated fowls but even the migratory birds that make their stop at

various parts of the country particularly during the winter season. The chicken meat being sold in the market should bear a stamp of it being authorised by the concerned health official, as being fit for human consumption.

Mohan Dhungana,

via e-mail

Not easy

PM Prachanda must be thanked for assuring the people that the country is going to see real transformation within some time. This is what we have been waiting for. The cooperation that he expects from the people is a must for the country to move forward. It is not an easy task but the people must be motivated to contribute to the nation building task.

Sukriti Sharma, Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Inspiring

I really appreciate THT Credo column for the inspiring pages from real human experience. It is not only a good reading material but is encouragement for us to face the many problems in life. The many stories in the column have shown how small things in life matter. Keep it up.

It seems that the police department has finally woken up with the death of one person who had consumed adulterated alcohol. Laws must be amended with provisions of severe punishment to those who bottle, distribute and sell spurious drinks. Not only for alcoholic drinks but for any edible food items or drinks.

Manit Deokota, via e-mail

Relief

Prime Minister Prachanda in his address to the nation has stated that each district would have a food commissioner to ensure food safety for the people. This would be a great relief to the people of all those districts that face food scarcity and starvation every year. I would suggest that the government prepare a blue print to improve irrigation facilities in the country. The government should also make provisions for food banks in the VDCs. All the agricultural experts should be invited to a national seminar on boosting the production and preservation of food.

Rabi Manandhar,

via e-mail

Abortion

Many women are learnt to opt for abortion a number of times due to ignorance. Similarly, the number of unmarried girls opting for abortion is also increasing day by day. Perhaps, the

inadequate information regarding reproductive health is to blame for this. It is essential that each member of society should recognise abortion as a last option.

Dipa Baral, Pokhara