Kashyap Mankodi

(former R&R consultant to WB, in context especially of research for inputs into cultivators’ proposal)

Sir,

I wish to put on record my objections to the ‘proposed’ change of land use mentioned in your notice, for the following reasons inter alia:

1. I understand that the land use change in Shastri Park has already occurred, and construction work for the IT Park is already under progress. Under these circumstances it is a travesty of due process, and an insult to the public to issue a notice inviting objections to the so-alled ‘proposed’ change of land use at this stage.
2. In the absence of proper Environmental Impact Assessment the land use change would be in violation of court orders, and a violation of the Delhi Master Plan provisions.
3. Common sense, history and the existing land use as per the DMP make it clear that agriculture and water bodies are the obviously wise way to use the banks and bed of the Yamuna river as it flows through Delhi. To propose piecemeal changes in this use (especially post-facto) without going through the exercise of a detailed zonal plan would be as obviously unwise.
4. In view of these considerations of logic, law, common sense, history, and propriety in procedures of development planning, the proposed land use change should not be allowed. Moreover, any construction that has occurred on the site that violates the currently prescribed land use should be as expeditiously and thoroughly removed, as other encroachments on the Yamuna waterfront have been, in the recent past.

Yours truly,

Kashyap Mankodi

79A, Himgiri Apts. A/14 Kalkaji Extension New Delhi 110019.