Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Narmada issue

The Supreme Court's order allowing construction activity to continue at the Narmada dam, while warning the States concerned that it will stop work if rehabilitation is not completed in three months, is disappointing. It has attempted to mediate between the Centre and the NBA instead of ensuring justice to the hapless people. The heavens would not have fallen had it suspended dam construction.

R.G. Bhandiwad,
Dharwad, Karnataka

It is shocking that the members of the Grievance Redressal Authority, instituted to give a fair hearing to the displaced, have not visited the Narmada Valley for years (editorial "No more excuses," April 19). The Prime Minister should assert his authority at least now and ensure that the oustees are resettled and rehabilitated as per the Supreme Court verdicts.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

Medha Patkar's fast has thrown the spotlight on the rehabilitation and resettlement issue. But after all the noise, the issue stands where it was three weeks ago. The Narmada tangle is a tussle between development and human suffering. The displaced people have no choice. They are refugees in the real sense. That is the ground reality. Such situations call for tall leadership, which is lacking in India.

E. Sivasankran,
Coimbatore

The Hindu 's coverage of the Narmada issue, particularly the publication of the GoM's confidential report exposing Madhya Pradesh's claims of rehabilitation, was exemplary. Fasting, a non-violent weapon used only by principled persons to fight injustice, was reduced to politics by Narendra Modi. Where is the comparison between Ms. Patkar, who fasted for 21 days for a just cause, and Mr. Modi, who ended his meaningless fast for the dam, the construction of which was never halted, 22 hours before schedule? The displaced may not constitute a powerful vote bank, but they are our compatriots. They have a right to decent living.

Lakshmi Ram,
Bangalore

It is heartening that persons like Arundhati Roy and Aamir Khan are extending support to the cause of the displaced. Thousands of people have been displaced from Kashmir too for over 10 years. Why does no one come forward to speak on their behalf? Even the media that claim to be the voice of the voiceless are strangely silent.

C.S. Sundaresha,
Bangalore

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