Date:10/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/10/stories/2006051005751003.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Disconcerting

The Supreme Court order declining to stop work on the Sardar Sarovar dam is disconcerting. That it has come at a time when the Centre has already turned a deaf ear to non-violent protests by organisations such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan against lack of proper relief and rehabilitation is extremely disheartening.

It is unfortunate that even after 20 years of struggle, the plight of the Narmada dam affected has not moved the government.

Anuj Grover,
New Delhi

NBA leader Medha Patkar's charge that the UPA Government is following the Narendra Modi brand of development and that the Congress has no secular face is unwarranted. The Narmada issue has nothing to do with secularism.

The Congress' attitude to relief and rehabilitation of the oustees may leave much to be desired but that does not mean it is not secular. If Mr. Modi supports the NBA tomorrow, will it become communal? Mixing of issues should be avoided.

K. Ganesh,
Madurai, T.N.

It is unfortunate that Ms. Patkar has found fault with the Supreme Court for declining to stop work on the Narmada dam. The court has to view the issue in perspective. She and the NBA should adopt a positive and pro-active approach rather than a confrontationist posture. Otherwise, the movement will have to be reined in firmly.

N. Nageswaran,
Chennai