Clean, green Kathmandu

Apropos of the news report “Civic body on beautification drive” (THT, Nov 10), it was good to know that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has asked private organisations to come up with proposals for building or renovating parks in the capital. It would indeed be great to see the monuments and parks, most of which have turned into eyesores, become beautiful once again. But I hope the renovation drive will also include a project aimed at making our city cleaner and greener. Moreover, the government also needs to plan for the future

maintenance of the monuments and parks.

Rhea Gurung, via e-mail

Fishy

This is in reference to the news report “Adulterated petrol tests panel’s mettle” (THT, Nov 11). I am glad that the government in its bid to punish retailers, who are involved in selling

adulterated oil, is collecting oil samples from gas stations across the country.

Reportedly, dozens of vehicle owners have complained of engine failures. However, I fail to understand why such an ordinary test needs to be conducted abroad, when there are enough experts at home. I wonder if it is just another means of wasting the taxpayers’ money.

Bibek Sharma, Mandhikatar, Kathmandu

Trustworthy

Apropos of the letter “Obama’s task” (THT, Nov 11), I agree with the writer that president-elect Barack Obama, apart from finding ways to gut the financial recession, also needs to take up the issue of global warming with the same urgency. US president George Bush, despite his strident voices at international forums on the need to deal with global warming, instead focused on his war on terror, which has met with little success. I am sure that Obama can be relied upon to clean up the mess that the outgoing president is leaving behind.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia

Clever

With respect to the news item “KMC warms up to satellite cities” (THT, Nov 11), it is refreshing that the civic body has finally come up with a clever plan of developing satellite towns to systematically manage sewerage and transport systems and other infrastructure in the city. It will indeed be a blessing in disguise for Kathmandu residents, if the project can be completed on schedule. Or is it mere wishful thinking?

Basanta Devkota, Gaurighat, Kathmandu

Punish them

The Motorcycle Dealers’ Association in Biratnagar went on a strike to protest against the unscrupulous petroleum dealers the other day. It is shameful that the dealers sell adulterated petrol even as they charge more than three times the rate fixed by the Nepal Oil Corporation. During the last few weeks, dozens of people have complained about the breakdown of their vehicles due to the use of adulterated fuel. Even the motorcycle dealers, because of mounting complaints from their customers, have stopped selling vehicles and refrained from sticking to the warranty provided for the vehicles already sold. The government needs to track down the culprits who have commited such crimes, and severely punish them.

Dwaipayan Regmi, Biratnagar