Gadkari says Ram Sethu would not be affected

Project currently sub-judice after environmental concerns were raised against plan of linking Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar

Giving a burial to the controversial Sethusamundram project, Union minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said today the government would not do anything that would "affect" the Ram Sethu.

The project is currently sub-judice after environmental concerns were raised against the plan of linking the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar by creating a shipping channel through the shallow sea.

Ram Sethu is a continuous stretch of limestone shoals that runs from Pamban Island near Rameshwaram in South India to Mannar Island off the northern coast of Sri Lanka. Hindu believers consider Ram Sethu reverential, believing it to be the structure built by Lord Rama.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha today on development of waterways, Gadkari further added that he would visit Tamil Nadu to discuss all issues and find “an amicable solution”.