Letters

Vested interests

The article on Public Interest Litigation (August 15) rightly points up the helplessness of a community whose rights to clean air and water are violated. But the article failed to mention the irreversible threat to urban environment caused by the mushrooming growth of illegally constructed buildings. The Bombay Environment Action Group and the Society for Preservation of Environment and Quality of Life (SPEQL), Hyderabad, have been tackling this problem for years.

In my book Indian Metropolis, there is a detailed study of the manner in which vested interests have made a mockery of such supposedly protective legislation as the Urban Land Ceiling Act, 1976. I have also stressed that as against the windfall profits accruing to black-money investors in high-rise construction, the ordinary taxpayer has to pay more for providing services such as water supply and sewerage.

SPEQL would be interested in hearing from environmental protection groups and individuals and also from lawyers willing to spare time to support the efforts of these groups. ...

Preserving the planet

While there are differences in the extent of damage done to the planet by the developed and the developing countries, the fact is that all who are members of the earth family have to suffer. India, being one of the forerunners among the developing nations, can undoubtedly contribute significantly to the cause of preserving our planet and pave the way for other developing countries to follow suit. These countries must remember, however, that if their development plans are implemented at the cost of damage to the environment, it certainly does not make sense in the long-term perspective. ...

Reactionary attitude

One drawback that I find in Down To Earth is that the attitude in the journal is rather reactionary, especially in its support for age-old, primitive, traditional environment practices, advocated by charlatans, amateur naturalists and conservationists who blindly brand every development project as destructive to the health of ecosystems. It appears from the article on Chilika Lake (August 31) that the fisheries development project there has become a bone of contention between charlatan naturalists and state government development officials.

The majority of the people today would not like to lead a primitive lifestyle. The need of the hour is for well-planned, ecologically sound development projects. ...

Development is necessary

Let me compliment Down To Earth on its excellent standard of production and the welcome orientation given to further society's understanding of developmental aspects. The most dangerous trend has been for the champions of environment to decry any initiative for development, completely flying in the face of the fact that any development is bound to disturb the status quo. In India, however, the status quo is undesirable. The needs of development must outweigh every other consideration, while the environment must not be tampered with thoughtlessly....

Voice for the South

The wealth of information presented in Down To Earth is dynamic and presented in a pleasant-to-read format. The magazine meets real needs by serving as a means for expression of the views of the South on crucial contemporary issues such as the environment and sustainable development....

Communication skills workshop

Abhivyakti Media for Development intends to hold a five-day workshop in English beginning November 14 on "Communication skills for trainers". The venue is Leslie Sawhny Centre on Rest Camp Road in Deolali, Maharashtra. The workshop fee of Rs 500 includes registration, lodging and boarding.

The aim of the workshop is to strengthen the resources of animators and make them comfortable with the media so as to lead to an increase in the media for pedagogical purposes. ...

More, please

Thank you very much for publishing the article, Dam of Defiance, in Down To Earth (May 31). I hope your magazine will devote itself to environmental problems and help in preserving the ecological balance. ...

Recycled paper

Would you be able to certify that Down To Earth is printed on environment-friendly paper? In other words, could you tell me that the publication of Down To Earth does not entail the destruction of any tree? ...

Letters Letters