RSS against dredging in Ram Sethu area in Rameshwaram

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) Lending its support to the protests against the proposed dredging near Rameshwaram, the Rahstriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today asked the Government to stop the work on the Sethu Samudram project and explore the possibility of finishing the project without destroying the legendry 'Ram Sethu' structure as described in Ramayana.

RSS Chief K S Sudarshan and his deputy Mohan Bhagawat in their joint statement expressed their 'deep concern' about the Sethu Samudram project and wanted the authorities to avoid destruction of age old bridge believed to be constructed with the help of Vanaras near Rameshwaram. Millions believe this bridge was constructed by Lord Rama and the satellite images released by American Space agency confirmed the belief of existance of a bridge by millions of Hindus.

The two leaders said they understood the significance of Sethu Samudram project aimed at reducing the distance for shipping activities but it should not destroy the ancient bridge representing India's most cherished civilisational heritage.

Already scores of living beings in the sea had witnessed the first phase of Sethu Samudram project. Scores of Indians including archaeologists, environmentalists and historians had opposed the project and five million people had signed a petition urging the President to intervene to save the national heritage.

The leaders said it was unfortunate the government was going ahead with vengeance bypassing a petition before the Rameshwaram court filed by religious leaders, and even after dredging equipment got damaged while operating in the area. ''We are deeply concerned that the dredging work will reach the Ram Sethu area and precious cultural and civilisational land mark will wither away,'' the RSS leaders said.

They urged the government to stop the work immediately and explore the possibility of completing the project without destroying the ancient bridge. Experts have suggested bypassing this bridge and carrying out dredging in a differnt route to save the monument. ''RSS extends its support to campaign by dharmacharyas, archaeologists and environmentalists for perservation of this ancient mounment,'' Mr Sudarshan and Mr Bhagawat said.

UNI