The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Sethu project essential for national security: Baalu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Others

Sethu project essential for national security: Baalu

By Our Staff Reporter

MANAMELGUDI (PUDUKOTTAI DISTRICT), NOV. 22. The Union Shipping Minister, T.R. Baalu, today said the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project (SSCP) was essential for national security. Its execution would lead to the nation's overall development.

Speaking at an `awareness seminar' on the SSCP at Manamelgudi, a coastal town in Pudukottai district, the Minister claimed that the fishing community was aware that there would not be any problem if the project came through and that only some organisations were against its implementation.

`Ready to share facts'

Stating that the Government was ready to share scientific facts about the project with those who feared that it would endanger marine life in the Gulf of Mannar, Mr. Baalu said the SSCP had been taken up after carefully examining all aspects, including the environmental factor.

Allaying fears that the SSCP would harm coral reefs, the Minister said they were presently miles away from the proposed alignment of the channel.

There had been instances where coral reefs had come up again in places where dredging works had been carried out.

On fears of fishermen that their boats and nets could get damaged if the channel came through, he promised that the Government would be ready to provide protection and compensation in case their nets got damaged.

Stating that the partners of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) had raised their voice in the interest of the fishing community on earlier occasions, he said that having got a clear mandate, the UPA Government would not let them down.

He said only a few organisations were against the SSCP and the Government was ready to face the challenge even legally.

The SSCP would not only boostdevelopment of ports but also the country's overall development.

CPI charge

The Communist Party of India general secretary, R. Nallakannu, said the project had the support of all political parties and only some forces were trying to delay it. Those opposing the project were the ones who were not concerned about the country's development, he charged.

Stating that the project was not anti-fishermen, he said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Communist parties had always raised their voice for the fishing community.

The former DMK Minister and the party treasurer, Arcot N. Veerasamy, said that despite opposition the project would go as per schedule and the channel would be created by 2008.

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