This is in reference to a photo of stalls on the bank of Begnas (THT, April 7, page 6).

Begnas and Rupa lakes can and must be developed into new vibrant tourist spots akin to now world-famous Fewa Lakeside and Thamel.

This will not only mitigate the degradation that occurs due to over concentration of tourism activities at one place for close to 50 years, but will also offer tourists a new experience and the new locals a taste of tourist dollars. Tourism is one of the best instruments to spread income from top to bottom and sideways to a large number of people either directly or through multiplier effects. The temporary shacks are a good way to directly benefit the poorest of the poor.

By 2020 when Nepal achieves two million tourists, they should be able to ameliorate the lives of many locals in places like Begnas, Rupa and the northern arc of Chitwan National Park. The government which wants to make poverty history might come out with a plan to identify the poorest of the poor and start giving them opportunity for earning in these new tourist bazaars.

Ideally we need a Thamel or a Lakeside in Bhaktapur as well to give unique amenities to two million tourists.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Philanthropist

Bollywood star Salman Khan was arrested a few days ago and released on bail from the Jodhpur central Jail on Saturday.

Initially he was sentenced to five years in jail for killing blackbuck in 1998. Now he has been out of the jail in bail. There is a moral dilemma as to how public wish Khan to be treated by the court.

Salman was not able to earn philanthropic deeds in his early age. He is proving the radical change in his manner. He is working for the charity organisation and millions for rupees he is funding for the organization called “Being Human” through his Da Bang tour across the world.

The Indian communities across the world seem to be baffled to see the changing behavioural pattern of Salman over the decades.   I think learning and turning are the things in life. It is better to grant him clemency for what he did because he is not only a star but also a philanthropist.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne

Crime

In the recent operation, police have arrested four persons, including one woman, on charges of swindling several persons with false promise of giving government jobs and employment abroad.

They were arrested from different places of Kathmandu on April 5.

According to Metropolitan Police Range Kathmandu, they had allegedly cheated the victims of over Rs 15 million promising them jobs in Nepali Army, National Investigation Department and Poland.

They were also charged with swindling people who also were serving in Nepali Army promising them with UN peacekeeping missions. We must learn that “crime never pays ‘.

Pratik Shrestha, Buddhanagar