Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Minister’s stand

In defending the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP), Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu (Sept. 19) has cited the Narmada Bachao Andolan case as a precedent. However, he has ignored the fact that the NBA case related to a local issue where the affected could have been rehabilitated. But the Sethusamudram project is a national issue, where the demolition of the Ramar Sethu will mean an irreparable loss of cultural heritage.

Prashant Malaiyya,

Vellore

The Ramar Sethu, which is part of the Hindu faith, should not be destroyed. As the original route for the Metro Rail project in Delhi was revised to avoid causing any effect/damage to the Qutub Minar, alternative routes for the SSCP should be explored. This will be a win-win situation for all.

Satheesh Kumar,

Bangalore

Secularism or the so-called rationalism owes as much respect to Hindu symbols as to those of other religions. Also, as far as the Sethusamudram project is concerned , the blind un-inquiring faith in its economic benefits can also be considered superstition.

R. Venugopal,

Chennai

With reference to the article, ‘Different strokes of responsibility’ (Sept. 18), I find the author’s lament at the refusal of Ambika Soni to resign as Union Minister of Culture after “her Ministry botched up the Ramar Sethu affidavit. business,” strange. Why should she? Ministers cannot be asked to run away from their responsibilities simply because some gaffe has been committed while presenting a case before a court of law.

Ashok Kalra,

New Delhi

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