This is with reference to the news story “NTB to promote Nepal in Europe in 2017” (THT, January 1, Page 1). This is indeed a good step taken by NTB to promote tourism in Nepal.

But just launching such programmes alone to mark NTB’s anniversary will not be sufficient. There are many other aspects that need to be considered prior to launching such a campaign and good co-ordination with stakeholders is a must.

First of all, the government should be proactive towards lifting a ban imposed by EU on Nepalese airlines so that our own national carriers can operate in the EU. Otherwise, the major portion of the benefit will be captured by foreign carriers.

Secondly, the condition of our only international airport must be improved. There are many issues related to its services and immigration facilities that need to be upgraded to meet the international standard.

If we look back, Nepal had air connection with various European destinations such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, London and Vienna. Those were the major destinations from where a large number of European tourists used to visit Nepal and Nepal Airlines used to earn a lot of money at its coffer.

Other airlines in the world have grown but our only national flag carrier has shrunk to a few destinations within Asia. We should not forget that there is always room for improvement, and we should not waste any time to make things better.

The only thing is that the NA is bogged down in political wrangling and unnecessary interference in its business dealing.

Suman Raj Sharma, Kathmandu

Death trap

This is with reference to the news story “Children at risk in brick kilns” (THT, January 1, Page 4). In the course of time, children are the first victim of poverty.

As a matter of fact, the hazardous state of children is an ultimate outcome of impoverished, under-privileged breadwinners and especially the unconcerned government.

Unfortunately, in the context of our country, violation of child right is rampant. Lack of legal provisions regarding child’s safety and moreover the absence of straightforward step and negligence of the factory’s owner, reveal the vicious circle of vulnerability.

Despite the fact that rights of the children are ensured in the Constitution the number of children at brick kiln factories are increasing. Furthermore, the other terrible side of victim’s family is the weaker section of society who cannot raise their plight with the concerned authorities and factory owners who always want to exploit them.

Had there been an effective government mechanism ensuring safety of the children such incidents would not have occurred in and around the brick factories that dig earth to make bricks.

Hence, like a responsible parent, the government should provide specific attention and care to the children living in low income families, as they are most vulnerable to such man-made ditches that are death traps for children.

Shiksha Karki, Kathmandu