Sethu project on track, 40 per cent dredging works completed

Chennai, Aug 19 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy today said 40 per cent of the dredging works was over and the prestigious Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP) would be completed by March 2008.

The dredging works were going on as scheduled and the project would be completed as by March 2008.

Responding to concerns expressed by opposition AIADMK members Mr D Jayakumar and Mr Balaramanan that the livelihood of 3.5 lakh fishermen would be affected while implementing the project, he told the State Assembly that there was no need for any apprehension as the fish wealth in the sea would not dwindle because of dredging works.

On the other hand, experts have stated that the catch would be more and the interests of the fishermen are well protected.

A monitoring committee, with environmental experts, was formed to monitor the day to day dredging works of the SSCP and the dumping of excavated sand.

When Mr Jayakumar sought to know the details of relief being given to the fishermen, he said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and leaders of all parties have stated that protecting the interests of the fishermen would be of paramount importance.

The Centre and the State had assured to construct small fishing harbours for the benefit of fishermen at several places coming under the project route.

''Even after the project is completed, if any fishermen are found to be in a disadvantagable position, any member of the House could bring it to the attention of the Government for necessary action'', Mr Veerasamy said.

The farmers in various districts welcomed the project, he added.

To a pointed question from Higher Education Minister, Mr Jayakumar said AIADMK was in favour of the project, but it should be implemented without addressing the environmental concerns and the interests of the farmers.

Stating that the project had become a reality purely because of the efforts of Mr Baalu, the Higher Education Minister said the AIADMK had walked out of a public hearing held at Ramanathapuram and some forces were trying to politicise the issue and divert the attention of the people.

''All efforts are being taken to protect the interests of the fishermen'', he added.

The project involved creation of a navigable sea route between the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal and cut travelling time between India's west and east coasts by over 30 hours.

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