Pesticides are poison used to kill harmful germs and insects in vegetable farming and fruit growing areas. Besides, these pesticides also harm other non-target animals as well as human beings.

Consumption of pesticide-laced vegetables and fruits are one of the major causes of cancer and kidney damage in people of Nepal.

Indiscriminate and unabated use of pesticides has definitely increased the production of vegetables and fruits but one cannot ignore the health hazards of such poisons. Even a small amount of such poison can have long lasting harm in various organisms and human beings.

So, I heartily welcome the circular issued by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development to all local levels to implement the February 23 decision of the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers “Local levels told to curb import of pesticide laced edibles” (THT, February 9, Page 3).

I hope the government of Nepal will regularise the import of pesticides scientifically and take care in raising awareness among the farmers and consumers in Nepal. Farmers and sellers of pesticides should be especially trained on the ways to use pesticides in farmlands and crops.

Raghu Shresthacharya, Koteshwor

Monuments

The great things such as statues, monuments and sculptures are the results of the precious stones being sculpted and carved by the experts like sculptors. But unfortunately, the news of the statues and busts of prominent figures

being vandalised/sabotaged by the miscreants in certain parts of India just brought out a sad story.

We the people in

today’s fast-paced lifestyle are always in need of something precious or historic to get inspired and motivated in our activities/fields.

In fact the statues or sculptures are the best possible ways of remembering the great figures who are no more now and whose contributions to the society are numerous and praiseworthy. Furthermore, the monuments are something that will help us “go back in time” and will help us understand the interesting things about our history and geography.

The Asian countries, let us recall,  such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand and Sri Lanka had brought forth many great sculptors even as it goes without saying that these Asian nations are the big hubs of many beautiful monuments and great sculptures that reflect the great historical background besides carrying information about the past and the present. Interestingly, I for my part had visited and seen many monuments and sculptures at museums and temples during my schooldays.

Above all, the Statue of Liberty in New York is admired by all in the world as one of the greatest sculptures. No rules allow the bad elements to vandalise the historical pieces like statues or monuments. Such mindless vandalism will create tension across the region. And these bad things should be curbed and nipped in the bud.

P Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumbai