This is with reference to the news story “Nation’s taps run dry today” (THT, January 5, Page 8). It is extremely petrifying to learn that the Joint Struggle Committee of Nepal Water Supply Corporation Employees’ Association has decided to halt distribution of water all over the country as a part of its protest programmes against the passing of a Bill to amend the Nepal Water Supply Corporation Act.

It might be wrong on the part of the government to hand over the government-owned water distribution mechanism to a foreign company, but it is ridiculous that the government employees are very insensitive in taking action to meet their vested interest.

We have been reiterating that we are a democratic country. However, are we enjoying the rights to live in liberty? Is it right to make innocent citizens scapegoats in the clash between Parliament and the employees? The obstructions in water supply for even an hour results in many complications.

Since long The Kathmandu denizens particularly face crisis of drinking water. What will happen if water is not supplied? Are the employees ready to accept the consequence that will occur after they stop supplying water?

It is not only about the NWSC workforce, it has become a culture to cause difficulty to ordinary citizens when an organized group launches protests against any government move.

The political parties, organizations, groups and others are found to be putting pressures on the government through street protests or suspending supplies to get their demands fulfilled by hook or crook.

Such activities are bound to lead the country into chaos. Let the concerned be sensitive on such issues which put public life out of gear.

Mani Dumre, Pokhara

ENVIRONMENT

Nepal is probably one of the countries in the world where much fertile land is available. Despite being rich in greenery we have no sufficient and sustainable vision for maintaining the environment from potential degradation and the likes.

In my speculation, I do not like to just blame the government, because this time we all know that our government is politically-paralysed.

However, it is undeniably true that tens of thousands of people have graduated in Environmental Science and more than that people have already studied population and environment in school as well.

What is deeply rooted in our culture is the fact that we study to accumulate certificates but we can’t see the applicability of our educational labour we gained by investing at least thirty per cent of our life time.

We feel proud to graduate in Environmental Science and other disciples by wearing the graduation gowns, but in real life we throw the bag of noodles and mineral water bottle from the windows of a bus.

We do not have the patience to hold our personal rubbish to manage it or fix it by disposing it in the allocated areas.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne