The Centre is not only flickering but also lacking in courage on the subject of the Sethu Samudram project. The DMK chief M Karunanidhi has already called for the successful completion of the Sethu Samudram project. With necessary guts, the government should look at the project seriously. The government has told the Supreme Court that alternative alignment for Sethu Samudram project is not economically and ecologically feasible. It may be recalled that the court had asked the Centre and the Sethu Samudram Corporation to carry out dredging without causing any damage to the Rama Sethu (Adam?s Bridge located in the project area). On the whole, the Supreme Court stand on this big-ticket project is a welcome step because it would not only control further public outcry over the project but also stop any hindrance to it. It has to be noted that the Sethu Samudram Canal Project would give larger benefits to the export and import sectors by reducing the travel distance of the ships especially leaving the Tuticorin Port. Therefore, the Centre and the other project developers should concentrate on the project in keeping up with the court order.
P Senthil Saravana Durai
Mumbai