Apropos of the news report “Does your cooking gas cylinder weigh less?” it’s

really a big question mark on the government’s ability to check unscrupulous traders and businessmen from taking consumers for a ride. Business also means upholding certain ethical standards to satisfy the consumers. It’s a pity that consumers have no place to file complaints against traders and businessmen who cheat them to make a fast buck. Where’s the

official vigilance team when all this cheating is taking place?

Malika Shrestha, Vanasthali, Kathmandu

No relief

Finally, the whole length of the East-West highway is open for use after the

devastating Koshi floods. But, the regular strikes have had negative impact on movement of people and goods. The need is for all, basically the political parties, to discourage bandhs and chakkajams on the highway, which can give great relief to the people.

Dwaipayan Regmi, Biratnagar

Collusion

Apropos of the news report “Call to access to potable water” (THT, Feb 16), the

deprived Kathmandu dwellers can do nothing but expect to receive a few litres of water at intervals from the Kathmandu water supply office. Those residing along the Bishnumati and Bagmati banks are compelled to use the polluted river water. Moreover, the Melamchi project promise does not seem to materialise anytime soon. The government does not seem to have any short term plans to mitigate the scarcity of safe drinking water for the residents of the capital. Every year, during the rainy season people are compelled to drink contaminated water supplied in the taps. This is the reason that the people are open to water-borne health diseases. Would it be wrong to say that it is all because of the inefficiency of the drinking water

authorities. Or is there more to it, say, their collusion of bottlers of drinking water?

Ranju Shrestha, via e-mail

A puzzle

Nepal is one of the best destinations for tourists from all around the world. But, load shedding, insufficient water supply, strikes, insecurity etc. are damaging the image of the country and discouraging tourists from visiting Nepal. I am puzzled as to how tourists can be attracted to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 a success.

Bijen Shahi, via e-mail

All’s well

This is in reference to the edit page article “Paradise lost: Nepal’s tourism in

trouble” (THT, Feb16). The writer seems to lack hope and sees no future of tourism. It is necessary to change onself first before looking at others. Needless to say, we possess huge tourism potential to attract millions of tourists every year. A positive indication is that the influx of tourists is increasing every year. The statistical data can be made a base to calculate the parameter of products. Nepal is unquestionably a safe destination now. We should think positively and find solutions to problems that face the tourism sector. Thus, our total focus and efforts should be on promoting the tourism sector as it can contribute much for the national economy. The duty of the planners and experts is to act as catalysts to promote the tourism industry.

S Shrestha, via e-mail