One fails to understand the obsession with the idea that “big is beautiful” (‘ >Ground Zero’ – “Capital project: The making of Amaravati ”, June 25). Building a new State capital should ensure that its people are treated with dignity and respect. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister may argue that land pooling has made people partners in development but he has certainly forgotten to mention the grim situation numerous landless agricultural labourers now face. The flawed desire to have a dream capital rests on their ruined livelihoods. There is also bound to be great environmental degradation. This kind of a development paradigm needs to be challenged and replaced with a model which is based on equity and sustainable development.
Kush Mehndiratta,
New Delhi
