The decisions being taken by the government of Andhra Pradesh on the architectural plan for the capital city Amaravati are irrational (“Irrationalism in city planning”, September 18). India is home to internationally renowned structures that are still in top condition even after centuries. The country also has a history of producing great architects. Therefore, it is strange why the State Chief Minister is particular about inviting foreign firms. Further, seeking the advice of cinema director S.S. Rajamouli is ridiculous. Are the sets of ‘Baahubali’ realistic? Let us not build structures which will remain inaccessible to the public. We need to develop a capital which has to serve future generations and is well worth the crores of tax-payer money spent.
S. Gopal,
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Criticism of the current state of the Amaravati city project is a bit unfair. The architectural design of the project has been entrusted to a well-known international firm. Any changes being suggested by either the Andhra Pradesh government or S.S. Rajamouli will be incorporated by the consultants, I am sure, only if these fall within the ambit of architectural principles. Most of the changes talked about, it seems, are related the exterior appearance of the buildings. Also, the government by itself is not making any changes to the designs; it is offering suggestions to professional architects who are executing the job. In such circumstances, how anyone can characterise such changes as ‘lacking’ in ‘professionalism and accountability’?
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
