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Sthapit plans to sue World Bank
KATHMANDU, DEC 24 - The Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Keshav Sthapit, is to sue the World Bank for placing Kathmandu’s name in the list of polluted cities. Sthapit said this today while speaking at a programme organised by the Society of Environmental Journalists, Nepal.
"I am going to file a case against the World Bank for putting Kathmandu’s name on the list of polluted cities," Sthapit said.
"The World Bank action is more serious than the action of Maoists", Sthapit said adding that the list published by WB has already affected the tourism industry. He has plans to use any compensation received for improving the environment of the city.
The Mayor also said that he would take ‘special action’ against those who are taking control over public land. "People’s sentiments are a hindrance to development," he said, adding "No one will be spared if found guilty of possessing land illegally."
"There are some people who have one ropani of registered land but have control over 12 ropanis," Sthapit said mentioning the increasing activities of the land-Mafia in the city. "If such people do not voluntarily leave public property, then I will make them public by publishing their phonographs in the media," he warned. Referring to the proposal of KMC taking control of the electricity supply of the city, Sthapit said, "If KMC is given the authority to control electricity, I can take control over the city, which will lead to smooth operation of KMC’s plans."
Subhash Niroula, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, said "Tourism and the environment are complementary to each other". He opined that if the tourism industry was to flourish then a clean and healthy environment was a priority. He urged all environmental journalists and media personnel to help make people aware of the necessity of conservation and management of the environment.Posted on: 2003-12-25 04:57
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