TN adopts resolution to implement Sethusamudram project without delay

CHENNAI: With the Union government stating it would be very difficult to say about the type of structure seen in the Rameshwaram Coast, the Tamil Nadu government has adopted a resolution urging the Union government to implement the Sethusamudram project immediately, on Thursday. The resolution was adopted unanimously with opposition parties like BJP and AIADMK voting in favour of the resolution.

While moving a resolution at the Assembly session, Chief Minister MK Stalin said that during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre in which the DMK was a part, then prime minister Manmohan Singh gave sanction for the project in 2004. The project was inaugurated in the presence of M Karunanidhi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in 2005.

Pointing out a statement made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in the Parliament that said "it would be very difficult to say about the type of structure seen in the Rameswaram Coast", Stalin said that when the project works were being carried out, a stumbling block was created. He indirectly mentioned the Ram Sethu row.

"If this project was implemented, it would uplift the economy of Tamil Nadu, particularly flourish the southern districts and ensure employment opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu. Given the current stand of the Union Government, this House expresses concern that the continued delay in execution of this project will be a stumbling block for the development and growth of Tamil Nadu. This august House is of the considered view that the attempts to further delay the implementation of this Project by certain forces is against the interest of our Nation's growth," the resolution said.

The resolution urged the Union Government to immediately come forward to implement the project without any further delay and the state government will provide all cooperation for the implementation of the project.

Welcoming the resolution, Nainar Nagendran, floor leader of BJP, requested the government to implement the project by damaging the Ram Sethu. He also urged the government to take natural disasters like storms and Tsunamis into consideration while implementing the project.

When Congress floor leader K Selvaperunthagai tried to recall the efforts taken by the earlier regimes to stop the project, AIADMK members opposed. AIADMK deputy floor leader O Panneerselvam said that the project area is a sensitive one and works should be carried out with following safety norms. "The project is a useful one and the government should implement the project after analysing negative impacts," he requested.

Pollachi Jayaraman of AIADMK expressed that recording Ram as an imaginative character in the house hurts his sentiments and urged Speaker M Appavu to expunge the same. He also requested the government to consult with fishermen before carrying out the project.

Responding to this, Stalin said the project works were inaugurated after consulting with fishermen, general public and traders. "All the requisite processes were followed before the commencement," he said.