'Ram sethu' issue raised at the World Lake Conference

Jaipur, Nov 2 (UNI) The controversial 'Ram sethu' issue figured at the 12th World Lake Conference, which concluded at the Birla Auditorium here today.

The issue was raised by Rajasthan Environment and Forests Minister Laxmi Narain Dave in his speech at the valedictory session of the five day world conference.

Mr Dave said that bridge--Pak Jaldamru--, now popularly known as 'Ram sethu', was constructed by Lord Ram, in the mythological era (''Tretha Yug'').

Mr Dave said this was not only the issue of our religious faith and belief but the facts about the bridge had also been duly endorsed by NASA and other scientists'.

''Therefore, this bridge should not be damaged or destroyed in the name of development and should be conserved as a sacred symbol of our heritage'', Mr Dave said.

Moreover, this also had environmental importance as the structure and the site was habitate of rich bio-diversity--both flora and fauna-- of wide range, he observed.

UNI