CK Lal ("Nepal fizzles as India sizzles", #42) has rightly pointed out that without Indian tourists, Nepal's tourism industry will be in grave danger. Similarly, unless Indian investors come to Nepal, industrial activity cannot get a boost. But I disagree that we can look forward to Chinese tourists because Beijing has recognised Nepal as an outbound destination. I think the Chinese would prefer Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore to Pokhara, Pashupatinath or Chitwan.

R P Chaudhary
Kalimati

Your columnist CK Lal is right in questioning the possibility of success of the Nepal Tourism Board's Festival of Lights promotion programme in India. As things stand, no Indian in his right mind will think of visting Nepal which is protrayed as an ISI-infested country by the Indian media. Nepal must strive harder to create an environment more conducive to Indian tourism and investment if it is to grow economically.

Rakam Rai
Delhi University