The Narmada struggle

The Central government’s confrontational attitude towards civil society and NGOs is unfortunate. In a nation like India, those advocating development must take care not alienate the people and their voices should not be suppressed under the garb of modernity (“Chronicle of a struggle retold”, Aug.6). Development for only a few becomes displacement for many; they become refugees in their own country. Moreover, ignoring the environmental impact of development is asking for trouble. Ever since it was swept into power, the BJP-led NDA government has been chanting the mantra of inclusivity. How can it be unaware of the problems that mega-projects pose?

Surabhi Goyal,

Bathinda, Punjab

In the course of development of any kind, it is inevitable that some who are dispossessed will suffer. But does that mean we abandon development as such and continue to live in primitive conditions? The Narmada project has gone through all vicissitudes, from the Nehruvian era onwards, and has been visited by the Supreme Court’s decisions. Yet, it is puzzling why the writer has chosen to unleash his ire against the desire for development. In the article, the Narmada calendar ran against present thinking on life, progress and development not only desired by the middle class but also the ‘ordinary class’.

K.R. Unnithan,

Chennai