In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the Central government today (16 March) said that it wouldn’t damage the Ram Sethu for its Sethusamudram Ship Channel project, Times of India has reported.
Responding to the PIL filed by Subramanian Swamy, the Centre has said that damaging the historical structure would not be in the ‘interest of the nation’ and has potential socio-economic disadvantages for the country.
The Sethusamudram project was initiated by the erstwhile Congress government at the centre, which would’ve entailed dredging the shallow channel between India and Sri Lanka to create a navigable channel.
However, the bridge, said to be built by Lord Ram, is of religious significance to Hindus and Swamy had filed the PIL for its preservation.
In the affidavit filed with the Supreme Court in the matter, the centre has said "That the government of India intends to explore an alternative to the earlier alignment of Sethusamudram Ship Channel project without affecting/damaging the Adam's Bridge/Ram Sethu in the interest of the nation."
Several studies are being conducted to ascertain if the bridge, also called Adam’s bridge, is indeed man-made, with a latest one by the US-based Science Channel claiming that it actually might be.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 999/year is the best way you can support our efforts.