The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Present alignment of Sethu canal will damage Ramar bridge: Joshi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 22, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Present alignment of Sethu canal will damage Ramar bridge: Joshi

Staff Reporter

To soon submit a report to BJP high command

DHANUSHKODI: If the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project is implemented without altering its present alignment, it will damage the Ramar bridge (Adam's Bridge) in the Palk Strait, former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Murli Manohar Joshi, said here on Wednesday.

There was no question about the project's importance. The difference of opinion was over its alignment, he told The Hindu at Arichamunai, the southernmost tip of the country.

Dr. Joshi was here to study the impact of the project on the Ramar bridge. According to the State BJP leadership, the present alignment would slice through a portion of the bridge, believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama.

Holds discussions

Accompanied by State BJP leaders L. Ganesan and S. Thirunavukarasar, MPs V.P. Goel and Gopal Vyas, Dr. Joshi visited the Sethu project office at Rameswaram and held discussions with officials. He also visited Dhanushkodi.

Asked whether the BJP would oppose the project, Dr. Joshi said he would submit a report to the high command soon.

A final decision would be taken after studying it.

"We have asked for several documents including alignment details, environmental impact study, ecological and religious importance of the region, economical viability of the project, sedimentation study report, reasons for rejecting earlier alignments, pre and post-tsunami changes and others. We will come out with a clear stand after studying them."

Religious sentiments

Asked why the BJP took up the issue several months after commencement of the project work, Dr. Joshi said the State leaders had expressed concern over the present alignment.

"Ramar bridge is a holy place. We will have to protect the religious sentiments attached to it. We are not opposing the project, but its alignment may have to be changed. We have to consider several factors including religious sentiments, cost-effectiveness, Defence interests, environment and others before implementing the project."

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