New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a petition opposing the ongoing Setusamudram project, proposed to be implemented by ‘destroying’ Rama Setu, a mythical barrier situated south-east of Rameshwaram, connecting Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran sought Centre’s response within four weeks on the petition which contended that the century old bridge was man-made and needs to be protected under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act.
The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Swami Sri Vidyananda Bharatiji, a Dandi Monk of the Shakaracharya Order and local resident of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, now residing at Thirunelveli, who alleged that the project would adversely impact the environment.
Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for the monk, said that National Institute of Ocean Technology, had been collecting the data about the setu since 1867 and there had been an opinion over the years that it could be a man-made bridge.
He said since it was a man-made structure and more than 100 years old, it was entitled for protection under the Act.
Additional Solicitor General R Mohan sought time from the Bench to file Centre’s response.
The Bench said it would hear the matter on August 31 with other related petitions including those which have been transferred to the apex court from Madras High Court.
Source: http://sify.com/news/fullstory
