This refers to the editorial, “It's a dream come true” (September 19). After much procrastination, the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river was dedicated to the nation. It is shocking that the second highest dam in the world took 56 years to be completed. The reason for this are many, which incluedes judicial battles, problems regarding people who were loosing their land due to inundation etc. The Centre and also the State Governments must now learn lessons, be alert and not delay the projects which are helpful for the development of the country.
Many projects in the country are delayed because of agitation by affected persons and political upmanship. This leads to delay, which in-turn leads to increase in costs. Besides, people are deprived of the benefits they would have received if the project was completed 50 years back. The Government has to balance these benefits and shortfalls and then push the project. let this be the last important project that was delayed and, hence, a loss to the nation. It must be remembered that when the World Bank denied funds for the project, temples came forward and threw open their coffers. The Government should take note of this and not ignore the temples when they are in need of money. Instead, it must do its bit to ensure the welfare of the temples.