Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On Sethusamudram

The article “A mockery of science, conservation and environmental laws” (May 19) was enlightening. As it rightly says, the ongoing debate on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project has completely ignored the environmental, economic and social aspects. While the opponents of the project want to derive political mileage by inciting religious sentiments, its proponents seek to implement it for the sake of political achievement, unmindful of the damage it can cause to the fragile marine ecology. There is so much to be done on land in terms of improving infrastructure. Let us complete that before venturing into the ocean.

K.N. Ramani,

Coimbatore

Whatever the substantial economic gain from the SSCP, the ecological and environmental disaster that it will spell is so severe that the government should have second thoughts. We thank the author for sharing the information with the readers. And we thank The Hindu for keeping the subject alive.

Partha Chakravarthy,

Bangalore

The article has raised serious doubts regarding the impact of the Sethusamudram project on the marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Mannar. It has exposed the vulnerability of the corals, sea fans, sponges, and sea cucumbers, which are protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Shouldn’t such a project which has strong ecological implications be accompanied by a comprehensive plan and supporting documents? The fact that the government has not adhered to its own laws is unacceptable.

The religious, historical and political implications of the project are trivial considering the effect it will have on the biodiversity of the region. Isn’t it our responsibility to protect the endangered species and our planet, thus saving our own livelihood?

Sumathi Chandrashekaran,

Chennai

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