Play by the rule

Apropos of the article “Kicked up in a row”, (THT, July 30), the

seven hotels inside the park should stop thinking that they are the only ones promoting tourism in Chitwan National Park. While no one will argue the pioneering role played by a few of them in promoting Chitwan, they should not forget that they were offered this “golden

opportunity” in the silver platter in the past. It is no secret that the “agreements were made on mutual understanding” with a little help from the people linked to the highest power centre of the day. And, as such, not adhering to the rules for extension of lease

in the past should not be the criteria for future.

An earnest businessman will not have any qualms about playing by the rule. So why are they against the tender? And why are they so naive in thinking that their closure will damage the tourism industry and Nepal Tourism Year 2011. Do the seven of them represent the whole industry? What about 60-odd hotels outside the park, including one or two belonging to some of them? Will they, and hundreds of other tourism entrepreneurs, just sit back and let Chitwan die? In India, all hotels are outside the parks yet wildlife tourism is not doing that badly.If the government at all decides to allow the hotels to operate inside the park, one would think it would be much better to float a global tender to attract some of the best

multinational wildlife operators in the world. Besides, as everyone knows, being inside the park is a huge advantage and, as such, the government might do well to revise the royalty and other fees. Past extensions should not be the basis for renewal, nor should the bogey of employment, revenue contribution and tourism promotion.

J. Talchabhadell, via e-mail

Apathy

With the government’s conspicuous apathy to contain the diarrhea epidemic the

death toll has been surging.

The disease has affected most of the people in Paika, Dhime, Rokaya,

Ramidanda, Sakla, Lanhan, Majkot, Kortang, Garkhakot and Pajaru VDCs. It takes nearly a day to reach a nearby hospital.

And how can the doctors help the patients when they are dying within three hours after the symptoms are seen? So the government should provide the medicines and send doctors

before the symptoms appar in the villages. Then only we can control the epidemic. Members of the civil society and the leaders of student unions should l pressurize the government to control the diarrhea outbreak.

Roshan Kumar Jha,

Kathmandu School of Law,

Bhaktapur

Praiseworthy

The Prime Minister while replying to the Parliament has stated that the government has sent chlorine tablets to disinfect drinking water and has mobilized all possible human

resources to control the deadly diarrhea and cholera in the remote west of the country. I think the action taken by the government is right and it

(government) should be praised for its efforts to control the epidemic.

I would like to opine that the government should send spoons too. People seem to have no

facilities for washing hands at home. Spoons could be cooked (sterilized) together with food. All the paramedics and others should be trained in the use of chlorine tablets (Nirmal) and spoons. Supply of “Jeevan Jal” should also be intensified.

Human resources mobilized in the disaster region should be trained in preventing flies from reaching food and excreta. Excreta should be covered with soil soon after defecation in the open fields and trail sides.

R. Sayami, via e-mail

Wrong

The news ‘Diarrhea spreads to Achham’ (THT, August 2), reveals the bitter fact that the disease is still uncontrolled and spreading to its neighbouring districts.

Despite the authorities and MoH and government bodies’ hue

and cry and assurance that the disease is under control have been proved wrong. The people are falling prey to it and are dying of it day after day. Therefore, it’s surprising why the government does not focus on healthcare at its best. It’s more ridiculous to learn that the bacterium of the diarrheal outbreak hasn’t been still identified despite the

technical intelligence of MoH manpower and modern

laboratory facilities available and established to serve the general public. Isn’t it a sheer negligence from the government side.

Sanjay Shrestha, via e-mail