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Rajya Sabha
The commencement of work on Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project was inaugurated on 2nd July, 2005. The project is estimated to cost Rs.2427.40 crores and is scheduled to be completed in about three and half years time.
The concerns expressed by fishermen and environmentalists include likely damage to marine ecology, marine flora and fauna, coral reefs, adverse effects on fish breeding and fish catching. While formulating the project, adequate care has been taken to ensure that adverse impact on environment is minimal. Two rounds of public hearing were also conducted as a part of the process for obtaining environmental clearance for this project where concerns raised by fishermen representatives and Non-Governmental Organisations were noted. These concerns along with the response of project authorities were considered by the Ministry of Environment and Forests while granting environmental clearance to the project. The conditions attached with the environmental clearance, enjoin upon project authority to monitor marine environment quality periodically and take all necessary measures to protect the bio-diversity including endangered species of mangroves, corals, mammals. For the benefit of local fishermen, development of fishing harbours has also been planned as a part of the project.
This information was given in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply by the Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T.R. Baalu.
VBA/BS
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