Cleaning Everest is everyone’s duty

A reader hails the Nepal government's decision to set up a waste disposal centre at the base of Mount Everest. Other topics: emergency services, Tariq Al Shehi, patriarchy, driving

A reader hails the Nepal government’s decision to set up a waste disposal centre at the Everest base. Namgyal Sherpa / AFP
Powered by automated translation

The Nepal government’s decision to set up a waste disposal centre at the base of Mount Everest is a welcome move.

This measure should be considered as part of its environmental initiatives, which should be adhered to by those who plan adventurous trips in the future. Unless people are aware of the value of preserving nature and its resources, we can never protect our precious resources for posterity.

Over decades, Everest has been heaped with waste, and it’s the responsibility of all of us, particularly the local authorities and mountaineers, to clean up the mess and discourage others from littering. Expedition organisers should also ensure proper arrangements for waste disposal during trips.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Use emergency services sparingly

Thank you, The National, for taking the initiative to educate the public about the use of Emergency Rooms and 999 (With the emergency workers at Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre, March 3, and Minor cases clog up emergency unit, March 4).

I’ve always been astonished to learn that many in the region go to Emergency for all ailments, or dial 999 for any complaint. In the US and Canada, people are turned away from emergency rooms and told to see their family physicians for non-emergency visits. Those who use 999 (911) for non-emergency situations are fined.

These vital and important services save lives. Using them casually or taking them for granted forces resources away from true emergencies and can costs lives. I hope you will continue to bring this important message to all in the UAE.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Ambulances that attend to emergency calls often do not have necessary supplies, nor are the paramedic personnel allowed to use even pain killers. This transportation service is not free if your case is not really an emergency and you will have to foot the the bill for your transportation to the hospital.

Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai

Al Shehi gave his life for others’ sake

The death of the Emirati policeman, Tariq Al Shehi, in Bahrain is tragic (Emirati officer dies in Bahraini bomb, March 4). There is so much political unrest across the Gulf region, which is a major cause for concern.

It is heart-wrenching to hear of innocent people losing their lives to terrorism and violence. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the explosion. Tariq Al Shehi is a martyr who sacrificed his life for the sake of others. Hats off to his bravery and courage.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Patriarchies exist for many reasons

I'm writing in response to the article Women in Saudi Arabia demand end to 'absolute' male control (March 2).

Although I’m not an advocate of “absolute male control” over women myself, I still try to think about why patriarchies exist the way they do. It’s not easy, especially when I realise, for example, how norms related to segregation can hinder lives and safety for both men and women. As a Saudi woman, it seems difficult for me to fairly judge the status quo of where I come from, and to be honest, it’s a puzzle I haven’t made sense of yet.

One of the reasons people don’t consider me a feminist is because I don’t believe all women are the same. It’s just not that simple for me to conclude that every woman in Saudi Arabia wishes to challenge the structure of society and become more independent. Also, as frustrating as reality is, for some female citizens in the kingdom, I think feminist movements can be really counter-intuitive.

Every time somebody asks me how I feel about the driving campaign in Saudi, I just sort of roll my eyes. It really has become an essentialist question that hits a nerve, because the truth is, I don’t know how things will change in Saudi society, and I don’t believe allowing women to drive is what we really need to focus on.

Montaha Mousli, American University of Sharjah

Drivers know how to fool cameras

I am commenting on the Facebook post, Police radar in on road offenders (March 1). The drivers of the taxis I take know exactly where the cameras are and they slow down well before. But then they press the accelerator and speed on until the next camera. It is a ride of slow-fast, slow-fast, slow-fast, and the end result is a headache.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Some radars have the wrong speed. Like the one by Etihad Towers is 30kph and there is one by Marina Mall, which does not seem to be working.

Tom Wills, Abu Dhabi