DMK pitches for Sethu project

• Says even AIADMK founder endorsed it
• It will ensure ports development
• Fishermen of Tuticorin oppose DMK move

Nagapattinam (PTI): Making a strong pitch for the multi-million rupees Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project (SSCP), DMK president M. Karunanidhi on Monday said such mega size projects will ensure national development and that his cry for its implementation was not aimed at publicity.

Leading state-wide protests of his party from this coastal town demanding implementation of the project, Mr. Karunanidhi said the project had been supported by the likes of party founder C. N. Annadurai. Even AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran had endorsed it but the party under his prot�g� and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was now opposed to it, he said, addressing the protest rally here. He said the implementation of the project would ensure bigger ports and related activities in the existing facilities in Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam and Cuddalore and argued that it will benefit future generations of the state.

Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the Rama Sethu, believed to be built by Lord Rama to reach demon king Ravana's kingdom, Lanka. The project has been put on hold after petitions were filed in the Supreme Court opposing demolition of Rama Sethu. Tamil Nadu Government had pleaded with the Supreme Court that the project be scrapped as it would adversely affect marine biodiversity and the Centre be directed to declare Rama Sethu as a national monument.

Meanwhile, fishermen in the coastal areas of Tuticorin held a demonstration against implementation of the project. If the project was implemented, it would affect their livelihood badly and only help big trawling companies, they alleged.