Sethusamudram Project

January 13, 2023

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has recently moved a resolution in the state assembly seeking the revival of the Sethusamudram Project, a proposed shipping canal project in India that would connect the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. The project, which has been controversial since its inception, was put on hold by the Government of India in 2007.

Background

The Sethusamudram Project aims to construct a shipping canal through the shallow waters of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, which would reduce the distance and time required for ships to travel between the east and west coasts of India. The project would bypass the traditional shipping route through the Palk Strait, which is considered a navigational hazard.

Controversies

The Sethusamudram Project has been met with opposition from various groups, who raise concerns about its potential impact on the environment, the Ram Setu, and its economic viability.

Environmental impact: Critics argue that the construction of the canal would cause significant damage to the marine ecosystem of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. They claim that the dredging and blasting required for the construction of the canal would harm the coral reefs and other marine life in the area.
Damage to Ram Setu: Some Hindus consider Ram Setu to be sacred and believe that the bridge was built by Lord Rama himself. They argue that the construction of the canal would cause damage to the bridge and desecrate a religious site.
Economic viability: Critics question the economic viability of the project, arguing that the cost of construction would be high and the benefits would be limited. They say that the canal would not be able to accommodate large ships and would not offer a significant reduction in the distance travelled by ships, compared to the existing route through the Palk Strait.
Technical feasibility: There are also concerns about the technical feasibility of the project, with critics arguing that the canal would not be able to handle the large tidal differences and would be susceptible to silting and other issues.
Political and legal disputes: The project has been on hold since 2007 following a legal dispute involving the Indian government and the opposition party, which challenged the project on the grounds that it would cause damage to the Ram Setu.
Security: Critics also argue that the project would increase the security risk for India, as it would provide an opening for foreign ships to enter into the Bay of Bengal, making it easier for hostile forces to attack India’s eastern coast.

What is Ram Setu?

Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals that runs between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, the bridge was built by the monkey-god Hanuman and his army to help Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, who had abducted her and taken her to Lanka. The bridge is considered sacred by Hindus and is believed to be the physical manifestation of a bridge mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.

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