Controversial canal

Prima facie, the proposed Sethusamundaram canal project seems well-conceived as it will provide a shorter route for ships traversing the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, resulting in immense economic benefits. But it has been marred by controversies, some of which cannot be brushed aside without proper examination though a few others, concerning religious sentiments, seem fairly pointless, being unverifiable. The concerns expressed about its possible adverse impact on the local ecology, marine bio-diversity and geology merit being taken seriously. The project, believed to be conceived originally in 1860 by a British navigator, Alfred Dundas Taylor, envisages linking the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka by creating a shipping canal through the shallow sea. This would obviate the need for the bigger ships travelling from India's east coast towards the west coast and vice versa to circumnavigate around Sri Lanka, cutting down the navigational distance by some 650 km (350 nautical miles).

However, the problem arises because the site of the project has a chain of islands (the Adam's Bridge), believed by Hindus to be the remnants of the legendary Rama's bridge mentioned in the Ramayana, which some religious leaders want to be left intact. This apart, the Gulf of Mannar is also one of the richest marine biodiversity habitats, with nearly 3,600 recorded species of plants and animals. This stretch is also known for its coral wealth, having 117 species of corals belonging to 37 genera. What is more, the Sri Lankan part of the Gulf, which is relatively better protected, is said to be even richer in bio-diversity, harbouring as many as 156 species of corals and 283 species of fish. Additionally, there are extensive banks of oysters, many of which have already become unproductive for pearl fishing because of human interference with this fragile eco-system. The main fear in this respect is that the extensive dredging required for building the canal and the subsequent movement of large ships along this stretch could impair this eco-system, leading to the loss of some valuable species.

It is of course true that the Sethusamundaram project has got environmental clearance from the government, but apprehensions still persist. Sri Lanka too appears to be wary of this project on ecological and business considerations. An exercise by Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is reported to have indicated that the increased flow of water to the Gulf of Mannar as result of the project would disturb its eco-system, besides upsetting the inland water balance. There could be a danger of ingress of saline water into the groundwater aquifers of coastal areas, with disastrous consequences for the region.

While these concerns are too grave to be disregarded, the potential economic payback from the project is no less significant. The savings for shipping companies, exporters, importers and producers as a result of the reduction in shipping costs and transportation time will be substantial and long-lasting. The project will also improve export competitiveness for several destinations. Besides, it will pave the way for the development of several new ports, upgrade of minor ports into major ones and creation of fishing harbours. Nevertheless, in view of all the doubts raised, it may be worthwhile to get the pros and cons of the project examined afresh before going ahead with it.