Perennial power woes

Apropos of the news report “Beema Samiti retards hydel project” (THT, Feb 23), the

Insurance Board’s lack of insight and inability to decide whether it should invest in hydro- electricity project is a clear indication of its inefficient decision-making process. On the other hand, the organisations like Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Employment Promotion Fund (EPF), RBS and other financial institutions seem eager to invest in hydel projects to relieve the people of perennial power woes. Why is the Samiti reluctant to utilise the Rs 13 billion in

investment and generate profits for the organisation? I understand the interested organisations and institutions must have made a sound feasibility study. Based on the study, they have concluded that investing in Upper Tamakosi hydropower project would be profitable. Isn’t the activity of management of Insurance Board suspicious as the Samiti’s account is still unaudited? Hopefully, the Insurance Board will take the matter seriously.

S. Shrestha, Kathmandu

Stop it

It is indeed shocking that wild animals are found prowling about our urban streets, which is somewhat a threat to our safety. But, it is a fact that this invasion is not so serious as compared to continued encroachment of their habitat by humans to build more houses or to

create more space for themselves. The dwindling forests are the main cause for the wild animals to move beyond their confines to human settlements. Where else can the wildlife go when their home is no more there?

Unplanned urbanisation and deforestation must end at once if we really want the wild animals

not to face the threat of extinction.

Rhea Gurung, Shital Marg, Maharajgung

Disturbing

I found the caption under “Short Takes” (THT, Feb 24) very disturbing. Stereotypes are never good as they are not built on experience or sound reason. They reinforce a distorted image of a group created and fed for the benefit of another group or groups. In every culture I know, women are the backbone of almost every sector, even if not recognised as such. They are the ones who make things happen while men indulge only in talk without any consideration of the action part. One certainly would not expect it from Nepali media with an experience of eight years on impartial content that promotes civic society.

Anna Chynek, Patan

Rainwater

It is reported that the local community at the Melamchi have demonstrated their objections to the operation of the project without satisfying their demands. It could be something like the repetition of landfill site problems at Sisdole of Nuwakot. It would not be possible to have no drinking water for long periods. There are quite a number of reported cases of dispute over the sharing of water in different parts of the capital. Differences could surface any time over sharing the drinking water between the stakeholder inhabitants of the Melamchi region as well. My idea is for maximum forest cover for the Kathmandu valley and the conservation of all the rainwater by construction of dams in the river system. It would be a much reliable and cheaper source of drinking water for the people living in the metropolis.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu