While I appreciate the sincere efforts of the people of the newly carved Andhra Pradesh to grow on par with the fellow States, I fail to understand the enthusiasm shown in building a capital city by acquiring more than 30,000 acres of agricultural land (“ >Capital task for Andhra Pradesh ,” Oct.22). The way things are moving there is a cause for concern. Environmental sustainability is likely to be a casualty. Let the city grow on its own and evolve over time. The government should not create another concrete jungle.
Rettavayal S. Krishnaswamy,
Chennai
While building a smart, green and sustainable people’s capital of Andhra Pradesh, the government must also consider issues like the existence of ghettos, which have crippled cities like New York. Ghettos often come with poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, crime and disease. A ‘smart city’ is not smart enough if it contains ghettos in the shades of skyscrapers. Amaravati comes as a great opportunity for India to build a model city for the world. The Centre, being a participant in the process, should take lessons from the experience of other cities.
Sachin K. Jadhav,
New Delhi
