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SBL - Article by R. Biga

Ignoring the word of scientists and various agencies government of India is going ahead with the SETHU SAMUDHRAM CANAL PROJECT (SSCP), which includes massive dredging of 84.5 million cubic meters of sea floor. This canal project aims to create a ship channel across the Palk Strait and involves breaking and dismantling of the Ramar Bridge , a heritage site, for creating a 300 m wide canal.

The irony is that this SSC Project is based on a study conducted before the December 2004 tsunami. No study has been undertaken to seas the possible impact of tsunami due to the breaking of RAMA SETHU . It may result in exposing south Indian Coastline to the destructive tsunami waves. The tsunami has also deposited vast amount of slit on Ramasethu. This will result in huge coast and work over runs for the project which has not been properly assessed.




The impact of dredging will no doubt affect the biodiversity of the area. This reserve is home to more than 3600 species of plants and animals, including endangered species of turtles. Gulf of Mannar has been designated as a National marine Park to conserve and protect the wealth of sea. Dredging of this stretch will irrevocably destroy this habitat.

Apart from the environment point of view, one should think or see this project with an eye of tradition too. This bridge is a living evidence of RAMAYANA epic and Indian heritage. NASA 's imagery of the Ramar Bridge gives a clear evidence for the existence of this bridge. It shows link between India and Srilanka.It is believed that this bridge was in use till 15 th century and is older than Great Wall of China and Pyramids of Egypt. According to the remote sensing reports, it is 3500 years old. Considering these facts, Ramar Bridge should be added to the list of protected monuments.

Eminent Scientists and various agencies showed their deep concern over this project. Possible effect of SSCP on the ecosystem has been studied and various alternative measures have been suggested so far.

It is obvious that a major project like SSCP can be undertaken only after due consideration to the existing life forms. An absence of such study will be disastrous.

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