The news headline related to the degree of pollution level in the Kathmandu Valley is not a matter of surprise for its denizens “Government fails in its responsibility to curb Valley’s dust pollution” (THT, January 3, Page 2).

It is okay to note that several reconstruction works in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake have degraded the quality of air. However, the government can at least take necessary measures to help minimise vehicular pollution by replacing old vehicles with new ones and making it mandatory to pass the emission test set up by the government agencies.

And what about the strategic plan of the erstwhile Oli-led government to operate the trolleys in the valley? The denizens have not been able to exercise their right to live in a clean and healthy environment due to the sheer negligence of the government.

Trolleys and metro services can be the best options to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion in the Valley where two-thirds of the country’s total vehicles operate. It is high time that the government took citizen-friendly initiatives in order to reduce air pollution that has affected public health.

Widening more roads is not sufficient to control air pollution. We need to find an alternative to the carbon emitting vehicles. The government can give incentives to individuals to opt for electric vehicles instead of fossil fuel consuming vehicles.

If a large number of people switch to electric vehicles the air quality in the Valley will automatically improve, and we can also save hard currency by replacing fossil fuels with electricity.

Sanjog Karki, Tansen

Prosperity

I am writing this letter to share my views about how we can stay nationally-committed under the same umbrella.

This time we have been experiencing the toxic-political manner of some leaders who are trying to take the country on the brink of complete fragmentation. It is really heart-wrenching when people bicker against each other in terms of demographic-identities.

There is no reason to get flummoxed in having to see discrimination in Nepal. My point is not that we need to have discrimination in Nepal, all I am trying to referring to is that even in developed countries like Australia there is inequality, racism and discrimination.

These things are like cockroaches in all nations, meaning never ending. However, the beauty of a developed countries is that people never march on the streets demanding a government for a separate nation.

I think due to lack of opportunities people have this notion in their mind. Economic prosperity is something that needs to take momentum to subdue such ideas. The idea of fragmenting a nation is an anti-national sentiment.

The best way to address these kinds of feelings and attitudes is to take the country towards economic prosperity in which all get opportunities to work and earn for a decent life.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne