Chouhan seeks Kalam's intervention on Ram Setu

Bhopal, Apr 10 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today sought President A P J Abdul Kalam's intervention and a directive to the Centre to reconsider the Setu Samudram canal project off the Tamil Nadu coast.

In a letter to the President, Mr Chouhan said dredging of the shallow ocean floor near Dhanushkoti end of the Sri Rama's bridge was likely to damage ''invaluable heritage.'' Legend says Lord Rama had crossed the ocean to Sri Lanka while pursuing Ravana and the people revere the sites associated with the holy Ramayana.

''Dredging is likely to dmage the Rama Setu and hurt the deep-rooted religious feelings involving the issue of faith. This ancient site of great archeological, cultural and religious importance should be saved from the onslaught'', he said.

Stating that he was not opposed to the Setu Samudram project, Mr Chouhan said an alternative route should be identified so that the 'Rama Setu' was not damaged.

UNI SP VD HT1455