The Centre is keen on implementing Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project (SSCP) as it will not only benefit Tamil Nadu but also lead to a spurt in economic development of the country, Union Shipping Minister G.K.Vasan has said.
Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, he said the issue was pending before the Supreme Court and the Centre had filed a detailed counter affidavit in favour of the project.
In the affidavit, the Centre had stated that it would implement the project in accordance with the court’s guidelines, he noted.
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Referring to problems faced by the Tamil fishermen, he said many of them had been released from prisons in Sri Lanka following persistent efforts taken by the Centre.
He wished that a permanent solution to the issue could be found through talks between the fishermen of both the countries.
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When asked if the Congress had cheated the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), led by Vijayakant, by initially promising to support its candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls but finally voting in favour of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate, he said: “It is wrong information.”
Earlier, Mr.Vasan visited the residence of Flight Lieutenant K. Praveen who lost his life during rescue operations at Uttarakhand on June 25, and offered condolences to the family members.
He entered the house when former Union Minister M.K.Alagiri of the DMK was coming out of the house after meeting the family.
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries at the entrance.
Mr. Alagiri, in a lighter vein, stated that Mr. Vasan chose to make the visit without inviting him in his capacity as a Member of Parliament representing the Madurai constituency.