Sir — This refers to the article, “Some more protected than others” (February 24) by Manjula Pal. We often read in newspapers about the plight inflicted on the people through the National Monuments Authority-related bans, restrictions on new constructions and additions to the existing properties on plots of land within 100 metres of protected monuments.
There are questions which need to be answered. What is the logic of the restriction of 100 metres; why not more or lessIJ Why are timely steps not taken to prevent people from unauthorisedly occupying ASI landIJ How are the people who bought land or constructed houses in approved colonies, some adjoining the ASI-protected monuments, long-long before the advent of the bans and restrictions, at faultIJ
In a city like Delhi, which is dotted with monuments and faces population pressures, 100 metres is a considerable limit and affects vast numbers of residents. The extant bans and restrictions are not people-people and are also against the tenets of natural justice, with housing being a basic need. The National Monuments Authority is aware of the problem but is unfortunately in no hurry to set things right.
The existing ban and restrictions within 100 metres of protected monuments should be repealed and fresh monument-wise by-laws must be framed. It also needs to be noted that restrictions and bans vis-à-vis a multiplicity of agencies for clearance purposes only encourage malpractices and corruption.