Uma wants expert panel on Sethu project

Tiruchirapalli, July 7 (UNI) Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janshakti leader Uma Bharti today sought the constitution of a high-level committee to examine the various aspects of the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

Speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of a protest against the 'destruction' of the 'Ramar Sethu,' Ms Bharti said the committee should be devoid of any political colour and comprise experts to consider among other issues the impact of the project on ecology and the possible loss of livelihood of millions of fishermen.

However, she reiterated that she was not against the project. ''I am concerned about Hindu sentiments.'' In this context, Ms Bharti said she will write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee.

She would stage a week-long 'satyagraha' for the cause at Rameswaram. The actual date would be announced soon.

Simultaneously, she would also flag off a week-long padayatra-cum-signature campaign from Rameswaram to Ayodhya covering 1,800 km for protecting the Ramar Sethu.

Ms Bharti expressed surprise at the Centre not consulting the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on the issue.

During her tenure as union minister, she sanctioned Rs 100 crore to the GSI for study on Ramar Sethu and River Saraswathi She claimed.

She also expressed doubts on the 'haste' shown by the Union Shipping Ministry in the execution of the project despite enormous resistance to it.

UNI