Save Shri Ram Setu

Setu samudran [shipping canal project] has been approved by the Government of India and set to begin near Kodand Ram Temple. In this project Palk Gulf and Gulf Mennar will be linked by making a shipping canal through Rameshwaram Island. This will allow ships and boats to navigate in the passage between India and Sri Lanka without having to circle Sri Lanka (as is being done currently). This may save about 400 nautical miles voyage on the west coast.

This project will connect the National Sea Route. It will also connect National highways. The length of the sea route for ships will be shortened by this canal. Rs. 21 crore per year for fuel expenditure of ships will be saved. Today Bharat imports a big quantity of crude oil. Saving of fuel will save foreign currency. The time taken by ships will also decrease by 16 hours, therefore the number of ships navigating is also expected to increase.

Pictures taken by NASA [National Aeronautics & space Administration], USA from the space, show the remains of what appears to be ages old man-made bridge between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. According to Hindu scriptures and belief Lord Ram and his vaanar sena had built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka 17 Lacs 25 thousands years ago. The discovery of Shri Ram Setu by NASA confirms the Hindu scriptures and belief are correct in this matter and that Ramayan is not "mythology" as is often construed but "history".

Setu samudran [shipping canal project] is based on the notion that it is inevitable to break Shri Ram Setu for easy navigation. This will amount to damaging a monument of both, historical and religious importance.

According to the specialists, a sea route may be prepared for navigation without damaging Sri Ram Setu, by removing the barren sand heaps near village Mandapam between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkoti railway. This will not only give a shorter route for navigation but also protect the oldest man-made heritage.

The president of Bharat is requested to order the reconsideration of the project keeping in view the historical and religious importance of Shri Ram Setu, the sentiments of the people and the alternative method suggested for a shorter sea route.