“The good earth”

I thank Parsiana for having taken the trouble to visit Doongerwadi on May 17, 2014 and seeing the pathetic condition of some of the structures. The graphic pictures accompanying the article "The good earth” (Parsiana, June 7, 2014) speak for themselves. I have been pointing these matters out in my monthly reports to the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees. The large water tank has at last been repaired and painted. The other structures need to be attended to, especially the corroded door leading to Khareghat Colony and the structure above it. This could collapse, endangering lives of those who visit Doongerwadi. Work on the Tarachand lower bungli, which was kept locked for almost five years, is now being attended to.
One BPP trustee was in charge of Doongerwadi for five years and the photographs are a clear indication of his gross negligence and inefficiency. Several trees have died and many others were badly infected by termites, creating havoc to the forest cover because he would not permit termite treatment during this period. This decay was arrested to a great degree by re-commencing termite treatment. Similar treatment is provided to affected trees not only in Bombay but in other parts of the world as well.
I must admit to the credit of the BPP trustees that my suggestions are now being gradually implemented. Better late than never. Dr HOMI B. DHALLA
wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in