Sethu Project conspired to destroy Ramar Sethu: HM

Madurai, July 16 (UNI) Hindu Munnani (HM) today criticised the ongoing Sethu Samudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP) as a conspiracy to destroy the mythical 'Ramar Sethu', the Adam's Bridge in the Palk-Strait, in order to wipe out 'historical evidence' about the Ramayana.

Talking to mediapersons here, H M Convenor Rama Gopalan said instead of exploring the other alternative routes for the channel, the Government was bent on destroying Ramar Sethu, a chain of sand dunes, connecting Dhanushkodi with Talaimannar in the Northern Jaffna peninsula.

He alleged that the Centre was playing a hide and seek game about the facts of the project, which is detrimental to the environment and the livelihood of the coastal communities. Under the circumstances, it was necessary to hold a fresh public hearing to ascertain the opinion of all sections of the people on carrying out the project, he added.

Mr Gopalan reiterated the oft-repeated charges that the project was inimical to national security, as it would throw open the waters to international maritime traffic, not necessarily to commercial shipping alone.

The saffron leader claimed that as per the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the area around Palk Strait was volcanic prone and hence should be left undisturbed.

He also apprehended that Thorium deposits in this area would be wiped out once the channel became operational.

The July 22 Conference, being organised here to protect the Ramar Sethu, would be addressed by religious heads and leaders of Hindu right-wing groups, including Praveen Togadia of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP), he said.

Invitations had been extended to all Chief Ministers and leaders of all political parties to attend the Conference, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Gopalan, in a statement, took exception to the Bharathiyar University at Coimbatore, prescribing in the syllabi, a book authored by rationalist leader and Dravidar Kazhagam General Secretary K Veeramani.

The book Vazhviyal Sindanaigal (Thought for Betterment of Life), containing disparaging remarks about religious beliefs and practices, should be removed from the syllabi immediately, he demanded.

UNI