Noted writer and social activist Arundhati Roy had proclaimed sometime back that democracy in India was a sham and one meant "only for the rich and the elite". While her statement created quite an uproar; evidence of this surfaces day in and day out.
A few days back, three full grown coconut trees were uprooted for the purpose of constructing an Annexe Wing in the Kala Academy Complex. Though reports and investigations by some pro-active citizens like Patricia Pinto, we have learnt that these trees were uprooted without obtaining the necessary permissions. We have also learnt that Kala Academy owes the CCP a whopping 38 lakhs as its outstanding dues towards house tax. Despite such huge amount of arrears, why has the CCP issued sanctions and licenses to the Kala Academy to construct the Annexe Wing? Why have the people of Panjim been kept in the dark? The concerned authorities are proving to be unsympathetic towards the cause of the common man. There appears to be a different law for the rich and a different law for all the others. Why are those responsible for upholding the interests of the city working against the interests of the citizens? Will those responsible for such blatant violations be made to pay? The Mayor, Yatin Parekh feigned ignorance on this issue but it should be clear to one and all that both the Government and the CCP have bungled heavily. The decision to build this expansion block in the Kala Academy Complex in the existing Parking space is an extremely bad one. The corresponding parking and traffic woes and the inconvenience caused to the residents of the vicinity have been ignored. Such a decision has been taken without proper application of mind and needs to be re-considered and revoked. The trees form an integral part of our city’s heritage and culture. For the sake of our city’s future, let's put a halt to this destruction; and protect our environment, our surroundings and our way of life. Cheers Sandeep Heble 9326129171 ---------------------- The above Letter has appeared in today's(April 5) edition of the Navhind Times.
