Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Demolition drive

This refers to the editorial "Not by judicial fiat alone" (Sept. 22). Where were the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, city planners, executive engineers, and courts when jhuggi jhonpri colonies mushroomed in the city, shops were located in residential areas, and illegal structures built? Slums have grown with the connivance of politicians who wanted to build their vote banks. Shops were started in residential areas with approval from the MCD. Why are politicians and bureaucrats not being taken to task? Instead, persons who have been running their establishments or living in their jhuggis for years on false assurances are being forced to leave.

Satbir Singh Bedi,
New Delhi

* * *

In the whole drama of violations and demolitions, the role of the colluding authorities is not highlighted well enough. While all parties to the dispute have something to lose in the event of a judicial crackdown, the only ones who will go scot-free are the building authorities. Only if the authorities that sanctioned the illegal constructions are made accountable can we see a decline in such vagaries that lead to social strife.

Mushtaqh Ali,
Chennai

* * *

Expediency dictates the manner in which legislators execute their functions. It is curious that an illegitimate act of usurping someone's land is done in a blatant way and persons who are given the responsibility to enact laws are now suggesting a compromise that is a gross violation of their own charter, and betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the electorate. Minister S. Jaipal Reddy's statement that mixed use of land is the most viable proposition and, if need be, the Constitution will be changed to enact a law to end the demolitions is unfortunate. One wonders what such ad hoc measures will achieve.

R. Subramanian,
Chennai

* * *

Delhi has become the scene of confrontation involving the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, the tripod of our Constitution. In the process, the people of Delhi have been forgotten. They have been denied shelter and means of livelihood and made to sacrifice two children and two harmless men as a prefatory beginning.

When terrorism is sweeping the country, the capital cannot afford a Seelampur where the police are pitted against the people. Delhi's Master Plan is not above the Constitution. Let the violations be corrected, ignoring a Pharisaical adherence to rules, and ensuring the citizen's birthright to life. Don't let this kind of illegal construction happen again. India should build, not demolish, to progress.

V.R. Lakshminarayanan,
Chennai

* * *

There were constant demands from the beginning to stop the demolition and sealing process, peaceful ones and, therefore, apparently insignificant ones. The protest in Seelampur has gained significance because it turned violent. The Government has halted the sealing and demolition drive. It is rather unfortunate that the authorities take notice only when something turns violent.

Varun Singhal,
Bangalore

* * *

The MCD's action of razing to the ground small and medium shops, in the name of demolishing unauthorised commercial constructions in residential zones, is unacceptable. The issue should be viewed more practically. Residential areas also need a provision store, laundry, clinic and so on. Medium-sized commercial zones are therefore inevitable in such areas.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

* * *

Children are the worst sufferers of protests and bandhs that take an ugly turn. Seelampur was no exception. Children do not understand what is happening around them, cannot defend themselves, and their memories are scarred forever. This was not the first time Delhi was witnessing a bandh. With the experience of some horrifying incidents during bandhs, why did the Government not take adequate measures? While it is true that the police have some explaining to do, traders also are equally answerable for their violent and aggressive behaviour.

G. Sumana,
New Delhi

* * *

Buildings should be categorised based on the degree of violations. Those constructed on unauthorised land can be demolished. Buildings that have deviated from the original blueprint can be modified and builders fined. Before undertaking a drive that has a potential to generate public outrage, the MCD should have called for a consensus among representatives of affected persons, NGOs, and opposition political parties.

Rajasekhar Inguva,
Bangalore

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