Sethu project was cleared by previous NDA government : Minister

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) The Government today turned the table on the Opposition BJP saying the present alignment of Sethu Samudram Project which breached Ramsetu was taken by the previous NDA government when Tirunavukkarasar and Ved Prakash Goyal were Shipping Ministers.

Surface Transport and Shipping Minister T R Baalu made this claim in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour when BJP members made vociferous attempt to raise the issue. Several members including former Human Resources Minister Murli Manohar Joshi were attempting to draw the Chair's attention. Very little could be heard in the din and Mr Baalu was seen seeking the Chair's protection for placing facts in the House.

The BJP members wanted to know why the Government was choosing this alignment which breached the historic Ramsetu between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkoti considered by millions of Hindus as the bridge built by Vanara Sena to help Lord Rama in his campaign against Ravana to liberate Seeta from his custody.

To a question on whether the 30 km long Ramsetu would be destroyed by the Sethu Samudram Project intended to allow navigational channel for allowing shipping vessel movement to link east and west coasts of the southern peninsula, Mr Baalu said there was no scientific evidence about the existence of any ancient man-made structure in the proposed alignment of the Sethu Samudram Project.

When there was confusion among for five to six ministers in the House when both Opposition as well as the minister were unable to put forth their points, nor hear each other's points of view, the Chair conveniently chose to end the discussion as the house completed the question hour.

UNI