The Sethu-Samudram Project is a well thought out development and economic Project and should be so recognized. Since no developmental project or even a road can be built without some sort of environmental effect, and since it is no one’s stand that there should be no development, the environmental effects should be looked at from a pragmatic and not a purely idealistic or religious or political view point.

It should however, be noted that the correct and initially recommended alignment( the K-line) was calling for a cutting only through the Rameshwaram Island near Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple and creating a lock there to cater for the height difference that arises between the waters of the Palk bay and that of the Gulf of Mannar due to tidal effects. This alignment would have avoided the cutting of the Adam’s bridge (Rama-Sethu) and thus have avoided the entire Rama-Sethu controversy. Hence, there does seem to be some other reason for the Authorities to have taken up another alignment and then ask for increased cost for shifting the alignment again and this needs to be looked into.

Perhaps even now, it would be better to go back to the earlier K-line alignment. Also, the power of the faith and sentiments of the people needs to be recognized, especially as this would also, help the Project to be executed in a smooth and quicker manner. Also, proper archaeological investigation of the foundation of the said bridge must be undertaken.

Conclusion

There was a passable land bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka upto 1480 AD. The Ramayana tells us that this bridge was built in ancient times under the direction of Lord Rama. Even if there is an economic and developmental need to dredge a passage through the Palk straits, consideration must be given to the power of faith and sentiments of the people. It thus behooves the Government to meet developmental needs without dredging the Rama-Sethu itself. Take up the K-Line.

JAI BHARAT! – JAI HIND!

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