PIL on 'Ramar Sethu' in Madras HC

Chennai, May 11 (UNI) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Madras High Court today seeking to restrain the Centre from demolishing, mutilating or tampering with the existing ''Ramar Sethu'' (Adams Bridge) for the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

The PIL filed by Hindu Munnani Founder President Rama Gopalan is likely to come up for hearing on May 15.

In his PIL, Mr Gopalan submitted that a bridge known as Ramar Bridge or Adams Bridge existed in Palk Straits between Thalai Mannar in Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi in India.

The bridge was in existence since time immemorial and it was a cultural heritage and an ancient monument.

He submitted that he was not against the Sethu Samudram Project, but in the disguise of continuing with the project which will result in the demolition of the ancient 'Ramar Sethu.' The project had been under consideration right from 1860 and nine route proposals were put forward for the project.

Six different routes were suggested from 1961 of which one, two and four could be considered rather than three, five and six, which were highly objectionable and against national interest.

Mr Gopalan said he was shocked to find that route six was taken up for the project.

A representation in this regard had already been sent to the President on September 27, 2006 and to the Prime Minister on April 13.

UNI