An Emergency Call to Save Ram Sethu
During the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) arguments from July 22 to July 29 2008 in Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan had suggested that the Government of India consider Alignment 4 with a little deviation from the Dhanuskodi point to avoid cutting through Ram Sethu (Adams Bridge).
Earlier, during the planning stages of the SSCP, the Government gave up Alignment 4, as it would cut through the Rameswaram Island, resulting in demolition of a large portion of landmass and structures, including the Kothandaramaswami Temple. Current proposal entails Alignment 6, which will cut through Ram Sethu.
The Government has now decided to do a re-think on the SSCP by finding an alternate route as suggested by the Supreme Court and has given serious consideration to the court suggestion of an alternative alignment including a canal cutting through the portion between Dhanuskodi and the Land's End on the Rameswaram Island.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has constituted a six-member experts committee headed by Rajendra K. Pachauri, director-general of Tata Energy Research Institute, to look at an alternative alignment. The six-member committee, which will examine the possibility of a canal through Rameswaram Island would also study its impact on culture, environment and law and order.
As a result of huge opposition to the SSCP, the issue of Ram Sethu is already higher on the media and political agendas in India. The Save Ram Sethu Campaign continues to receive numerous messages of support from concerned people across the globe. Over 1500 people wrote to the Prime Minister to voice their opposition to the SSCP. Save Ram Sethu is calling for a moratorium on the SSCP and nominate the Gulf of Mannar as a World Heritage Site. It will not happen tomorrow, but the pressure is now on the Prime Minister to show leadership and take some real action.
The Save Ram Sethu Campaign will continue, and with the help of all of you who have taken the time to write to the Prime Minister we are now even stronger than we were before. Thank you! With your help, we are making a difference.
We are looking for one million supporters willing to take a stand and not allow a syndicate of politicians and vested interests defile our sacred heritage. Can we count on you?
It would be such a shame to have our sacred treasures that have endured for the ages, be obliterated in the name of "development".
A flood of phone calls and faxes to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Supreme Court of India to remind them the global Hindus are still part of the debate.
Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh
Telephone 91-11-23012312
Fax 91-11-23019545 / 91-11-23016857
Email: pmosb@pmo.nic.in
Supreme Court of India
Telephone 91- 11- 23381555
Fax 91-11-23384536
Email: supremecourt@nic.in
You may wish to also call or fax Indian Government representatives, Embassies and High Commissions in your area and Editors of major newspapers and register your opposition.
Please forward this to others, especially the youth, and ask them to get involved in protecting our religious heritage.
Below is a sample letter, which you may copy and paste. Feel free to use some points you might like to include in your message or phone call in light of the recent proceedings in the Supreme Court.
Remember that personal comments are much more effective than copying and pasting the information below. Please be courteous and respectful.
When sending an email, fax or letter, make sure you sign it and include your name and full address.
Thank you.
You can send this letter or update it with your comments and send.