This is in relation to your box item "Kathmandu's killer kilns" (#137). There is good news for Kathmanduities, specifically the brick kiln neighbourhoods. They can breathe in cleaner air made possible by "Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln" (VSBK) technology, which is a proven, economically viable, energy-efficient and environment-friendly technology. Two pilot VSBKs in Imadol, Lalitpur are being constructed with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Nepal and technical support of Skat Consulting. The process is underway to construct two other VSBKs in Bhaktapur. The VSBK technology for brick burning offers 30 to 40 percent energy savings compared to the conventional Bulls Trench Kiln (chimney bhatta). Moreover, the emission of suspended particulate matter (SPM), a principle pollutant and health hazard, will be reduced by 80 percent compared to the conventional kilns. The technology also provides a cleaner and better working environment for labourers on site, which could attract local unemployed people, replacing the present trend of skilled and semi-skilled Indian labourers. The technology also provides room to address social issues prevalent in the brick industry such as child labour.

VSBK Technology Transfer Program,
Ekantakuna

. Thanks to Hemlata Rai for the great insight on the current situation of Kathmandu's air ("Gasp!", #137). It is indeed very saddening to read about the negligence of people and a government that does not see and can't control fuel adulteration. People who mix kerosene with petrol and diesel should be fined heavily and even put in prison. Imagine living and breathing in Kathmandu 24/7! Now, it seems pollution is even affecting flights in and out of Kathmandu. Are we going to wait until we're all sick before we do something about this? We must be cautious, responsible and treat our environment with respect.

Rashmi Bhattachan,
email

. The recent odd-even rule on vehicles was reportedly announced because of a 'gasoline shortage' caused by the war in Iraq, which is curious because Nepal doesn't get a drop of oil from Iraq. This rule was withdrawn after only three days, allegedly (among other things) on the basis of a writ submitted to the Supreme Court by some lawyers saying that it prevented people from enjoying their wealth and luxuries as guaranteed by the constitution. Given that pollution kills, and Kathmandu air is one of the most polluted in the world, it should therefore follow that the people of Kathmandu also have a constitutional right to breathe clean air ("Gasp!", #137). The odd-even rule actually had beneficial effects: traffic congestion decreased, the air was cleaner. And it perhaps began to dawn on some Kathmanduites that most places in the city are within walking/bicycling distance and do not require a Land Cruiser. Cleaner air in Kathmandu will also attract more tourists, who won't have to walk around like masked bandits. If a drastic problem requires drastic solutions, then reinstating the odd-even rule may not be a bad idea.

Buddha Basnyat and Birat K Simha,
Kathmandu

. We would like to express our agreement with "Gouging out a living in Lele's quarries" (#137). As superintendents of a hospital which is located in the Lele valley, and also as residents of the area, we have been concerned for some time at the increase in the volume of quarrying and stone crushing work in the valley. This has resulted in more injuries due to accidents related to these activities (both crush industries and motor accidents) which is brought to our hospital for treatment. In addition, many of our staff travel the Kathmandu-Lele road to work each day, and have commented on how difficult and dangerous the road has become as a direct result of the huge number of stone trucks which ply the road.

We agree that it is time that effective regulation of these industries takes place-not only for the sake of those directly involved in this dangerous work, but also because of the effect that it is having on our beautiful valley.

Pradeep Failbus,
Dr Mark Macdonald,
Anandaban Hospital, Lele