By IANS
New Delhi : The cabinet Thursday gave the go-ahead to a draft affidavit on the Sethusamudram shipping canal project to be filed in the Supreme Court where critics have challenged the scheme.
The decision was taken at the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA). The government is expected to submit the affidavit next week.
This was CCPA’s second meeting this week to finalise its stand on the draft affidavit. Last year, the government withdrew its affidavit after a row because it was seen challenging the existence of Hindu god Ram.
The project in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka aims to shorten the sea route between the eastern and western coasts of India. Hindu groups oppose the project, saying it will destroy or damage the Ram Sethu or Adam’s Bridge, to which they attach religious significance.
The government approved the canal project in May 2005. But it soon ran into trouble, and dredging work had to be suspended.
There have been differences between Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni and Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu of the DMK over the affidavit.
The government has to inform the Supreme Court of its stand as several petitioners have approached the apex court against the project.