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Prayer to the court should to stop the project,
rejecting every submission made in the counter filed
by respondents on May 29, 2007 and to issue a writ
of mandamus directing Central Government to
declare Rama Setu as an ancient monument of
national importance

Supreme Court on sacred objects
Hon. Supreme Court’s observations given vide paragraph number 7 of its judgement
reported as S. Veerabadran Chettiar v. E. V. Ramaswami Naicker and others (AIR
1958 Supreme Court 1032) (as appearing on page 1035 of AIR 1958 Supreme
Court) are reproduced as follows:

 “…. Any object however trivial or destitute of real value in itself if regarded as
sacred by any class of persons would come within the meaning of the penal section
(295 of Indian Penal Code). Nor is it absolutely necessary that the object, in order to
be held sacred, should have been actually worshipped. An object may be held sacred
by a class of persons without being worshipped by them. It is clear, therefore, that
the courts below were rather cynical in so lightly brushing aside the religious
susceptibilities of that class of persons to which the complainant claims to belong.
The section has been intended to respect the religious susceptibilities of persons of
different religious persuasions or creeds. Courts have got to be very circumspect in
such matters, and to pay due regard to the feelings and religious emotions of
different classes of persons with different beliefs, irrespective of the consideration
whether or not they share those beliefs, or whether they are rational or otherwise, in
the opinion of the court.”

 In view of the principles stipulated in the Supreme Court’s above-mentioned
judgement, Ram Setu is a sacred object for Hindus within the meaning of section
295 of Indian Penal Code, and any action destroying, damaging or defiling the said
sacred object will insult the religious feelings of Hindus under section 295 of Indian
Penal Code.

While matters of sacredness CANNOT be decided by science, it is noted that
in a Press meet on 2 June 2007, by Minister for Science and Technology,
reports of which have appeared and provided as Annexure 12, soil samples
will be made available to the public for testing. Until these tests are
completed, the Hon’ble Court should restrain the respondents from carrying
out any work which touches or damages Rama Setu (what the respondent
claims to be Adam’s Bridge). The Hon’ble Court may also direct the
appointment of an Advocate Commission to be assisted by a multi-
disciplinary team of experts to review the results of these tests and to
report on the religious susceptibilities of the people who consider the Rama
Setu a sacred pilgrimage site and a world heritage monument, exemplifying
the quintessence of Bharatiya values.




                                                                                     1
PRAYER

In view of the facts stated and grounds pleaded hereinbelow, the

petitioners respectfully pray that this Hon’ble Court may be

pleased to grant any or all of the following prayers, each of which

is made without prejudice to the others:



  1) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari,

     calling for the records pertaining to the decision of the Union

     of India to undertake/proceed with the ‘Sethusamudram Ship

     Canal Project’, and quash the said decision;



  2) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari,

     calling for the records pertaining to the ‘Environmental

     Clearance’ dated 31.03.2005 granted by the Ministry of

     Environment and Forests to the Sethusamudram Ship Canal

     Project, and quash the same;



  3) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari,

     calling for the records pertaining to clearance/permission

     granted to the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project under the

     provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and quash

     the same;



                                                                      2
4) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus,

       directing the respondents herein not to implement the

       ‘Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project’;



     5) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus,

       directing the Central Government to declare the ‘Ram Sethu’

       as an ancient monument of national importance, under the

       provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites

       and Remains Act, 1958;



     6) Pass such other and/or further order(s) as this Hon’ble Court

       may deem fit in the present case.



It is submitted that the project as sought to be implemented by the
government cannot be allowed to continue. The petitioners are
seeking reliefs from this Hon’ble Court, interalia, on the following
grounds:-


                                 GROUNDS
A.     Because the Project has been conceptualized without taking
       into account the likelihood of a Tsunami or its effects in a
       manner that is arbitrary and unreasonable and violates the
       fundamental right to equality under Article 14 and the right
       to   life   and   personal   liberty   under   Article   21   of   the
       Constitution.     Neither the EIA report by NEERI completed in



                                                                            3
May/August 2004 nor the DPR by L&T/Ramboll for the Project
     completed in February 2005 have taken into account the
     likelihood or effects of a Tsunami despite the massive
     destruction caused by the Tsunami of December 26, 2004.
     Prof. Tad S. Murthy, a world-renowned Tsunami expert and a
     former editor of Tsunami Effects Review, has pointed out that
     the alignment of the mid-ocean channel is such that it will
     funnel and amplify the wave from a Tsunami from South
     East Asia so as to cause massive destruction to lives and
     property on the Southern Kerala and Tamilnadu Coasts.


B.   Because neither the EIA Report nor the DPR have undertaken
     a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the Tsunami of
     December 2004 on the sensitive Gulf of Mannar and Palk
     Straits and Palk Bay region, in particular bathymetry (depth)
     surveys, sedimentation effects and effects of ocean currents.


C.   Because the precautionary principle has not been kept in
     mind when giving environmental clearances for the Project
     under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.       In Vellore
     Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India, (1996) 5 SCC 647,
     at page 658, this Hon’ble Court pointed out that “Where there
     are threats of serious and irreversible damage, lack of
     scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for
     postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.”
     Despite the fact that there is a serious likelihood of danger
     to the unique habitat and the ecosystem of the Gulf of
     Mannar from dredging and dumping of material from the
     ocean floor to widen the channel to 300 metres wide and 12
     metres deep, the Respondents are going ahead with the
     Project   without   considering   the   serious   environmental


                                                                     4
degradation that may result. The endangered species in this
     region include the dugong (sea cow), sea horses, five species
     of marine turtles and whales and dolphins. There is also a
     unique link species between vertebrates and invertebrates
     called the Balano-glossus that is unique to the region. These
     species thrive in the endangered habitats consisting of
     mangrove forests and sea grasses surrounding the islands on
     the Southern Coast of Tamilnadu which have been declared a
     national park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.          UNESCO
     has declared the Gulf of Mannar as a biosphere reserve
     because it is a biodiversity hotspot and the Government of
     India together with the Government of Tamilnadu have
     confirmed   this    declaration   of    a   biosphere   reserve   for
     purposes of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.


Because, as a biosphere reserve declared by the Government of
India and the Government of Tamilnadu, the Gulf of Mannar
Biosphere Reserve is entitled to the protections contemplated by
Chapter IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and no permit for
activities destructive of wildlife such as those inherent in the
Project may be granted except in order to protect wildlife.



D.   Because     there     is   considerable       scientific    evidence
     accumulated that the Rama Setu is man-made. NEERI which
     was mandated to examine this issue under the citing
     guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has
     simply proceeded on the basis that the Rama Setu is not man-
     made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of
     the cultural heritage of India.        Therefore, it is respectfully
     submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is required
     to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as to
     whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made.               If it is man-


                                                                         5
made, its origins certainly stretch back into antiquity more
     than the 100 years required under the said Act.                 If so, it
     would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the
     project before it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the
     Archaeological Survey of India to have the Rama Setu
     declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey
     as the case may be and to ensure that it gets all the
     protection that such a monument requires.


E.   Because the Project will certainly result in destruction of
     endangered    species    such      as   dugongs,   two    varieties    of
     dolphins, certain turtles and certain species of whales in the
     Gulf of Mannar region, which are all listed in Schedule I of
     the Wildlife Protection Act and are entitled to protection
     under the provisions of that Act.


F.   Because even the Prime Minister’s Office has expressed
     serious doubts about the advisability of the Project on
     grounds of public safety from future Tsunamis and the
     weaknesses in the EIA report, the techno-economic feasibility
     study and the detailed project report.


G.   Because the costs of the Project have already gone up
     manifold from the Rs. 2,300 crores projected in the Detailed
     Project Report on the basis of which the Project was
     determined    to   be   economically      feasible.      Even   at    the
     originally projected cost of Rs. 2,300 crores, there were
     serious doubts about economic feasibility of the Project. Now,
     therefore,   the   Project   has    clearly   become     economically
     unviable.



                                                                             6
H.   Because, at the very outset and without prejudice to all the
     other submissions and grounds raised in this petition, it is
     respectfully submitted that there has been a fundamental
     change   in    circumstances       which   warrants    a   complete,
     comprehensive        and          exhaustive    multi-disciplinary
     reevaluation of the SSCP project and its likely impact on the
     lives of thousands of persons inhabiting the southern coast of
     Kerala; the change in circumstance being the tsunami which
                                       of 26th December, 2004.
     hit the Indian coast on                                          It is
     submitted that the entire EIA study was undertaken by the
     NEERI in the pre-tsunami era; the final report having been
                                                                      26th
     submitted     in/around    May,    2004, much    before    the
     December,     2004   Tsunami.         Though   the    environmental
     clearance was given on 31.03.2005, 3 months after the
     tsunami, no efforts were made to undertake any fresh
     exercise in view of the changes in the conditions brought
     about by the tsunami.


I.   Because, in addition, it is also relevant that the region is
     known to be, essentially, a sedimentation sink; and there is
     ample evidence pointing to the fact that the tsunami has
     altered the bathymetry of the region. The sea bed has risen
     in height in most places, on account of deposit of silt etc.
     carried by the tsunami and deposited in these areas. None of
     these factors have ever been taken into account by any of the
     expert bodies/authorities.


J.   Because the prospect and impact of a future tsunami have
     also not been considered or dealt with before grant of
     environmental clearance. The petitioners have learnt that in
     March, 2005, the office of the Prime Minister of India had


                                                                         7
raised concerns regarding the impact of a future tsunami on
     the project, which ought to have been subjected to a multi-
     disciplinary evaluation.      However, even the concerns raised
     by the office of the Prime Minister of India were given a go by,
     and   no    review/re-examination         of     the    project    was    ever
     undertaken; on the other hand, environmental clearance was
     accorded in a mechanical manner, as set out below.


K.   Because,    in    addition   to    the    above,       the    environmental
     clearance    dated    31.03.2005         is    vitiated      on   account   of
     arbitrariness and non-application of mind, as is clear from
     the following:


     (i)   One of the most important environmental aspects of the
           project is the problem of disposal/dumping of the
           dredged material. The study report highlights the fact
           that dredging shall lead to increase in turbidity at, and
           in    the   vicinity   of,   the        site;    thereby     preventing
           penetration of sunlight into the water body, which
           would endanger the survival of marine flora and fauna
           at and around the site.        For these reasons, quick and
           efficient removal of the dredged material is crucial.
           Further, the disposal of the dredged material would
           have to be done in a manner that minimizes the
           likelihood of any adverse impact at the disposal site.
           The study report analyses the two available options,
           viz, disposal on land, and disposal in the sea.                       On
           detailed     examination       and         analyses,        the    study
           recommends that disposal would have to take place
           both on land, as well as at sea; the clay and silt to be
           disposed off/dumped on land or to be used to help


                                                                                  8
reclaim land near Pumban island, and the sand to be
dumped at suitable sites in the sea, atleast 20-25
kilometres from the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere
Reserve. The following passages from the study report
are relevant:


     “ Thus impact due to dredge disposal could
     be minimized by selecting option of land
     disposal for dredged spoil containing higher
     percentage      of    clay    and   silt.      Balance
     dredged spoil containing sand could be
     disposed in sea.         As sand particles have
     discrete setting, rise in turbidity of sea
     water at disposal location is not envisaged
     thereby     minimizing        impact      on   primary
     production…”


     “………… It is proposed that spoil containing
     a mixture of clay and sand will be disposed
     on degraded areas of Pamban island for
     reclaiminf the land subject to approval of
     Forest and Environment Department (TN) for
     use of area falling under CRZ as dumping of
     wastes     in   CRZ    area    is   not     permissible
     activity. Balance 30 million cu. meters spoil
     containing mainly sand ……………… will be
     discharged in sea 25 Km away from the
     dredging area keeping safe distance from
     the medial line……………………………”




                                                               9
(ii)    Even the Environment Management Plan envisages a
        similar   methodology        for   disposal    of   the     dredged
        material.    The following extract from the ‘Executive
        Summary’     of    the    study    report,    dealing      with   the
        Environment Management Plan is relevant :




           “Environmental Management Plan
            Construction Phase


             ……………Dredged spoil comprising clay and
             sand upto 2 m of dredging depth will be
             used    for    reclaiming       degraded       land    in
             Pamban island subject to approval of FED
             for CRZ. Balance dredged spoil will be
             disposed in sea at a depth 30-40 m, 20-25
             km away from islands in National Marine
             Park in Gulf of Mannar. Dredged spoil
             generated in Palk Strait / Palk Bay area will
             be disposed in open sea in Bay of Bengal at
             25-40    m     depth,    30-60     km     away     from
             dredging area.”




(iii)   The study report also recommended that the project be
        implemented in two phases; the first phase involving
        dredging the channel upto 10m depth, and the depth
        being increased to 12m in the second phase only after
        observing and analyzing the environmental impact of
        the first phase.         The report itself adds a word of


                                                                           10
caution,       stating     that   “the       route    would      become
            environmentally viable only if the management plans
            and recommended measures are strictly followed”.


     (iv)   This note of caution has been totally disregarded.
            Firstly,       the        recommendation             regarding      the
            implementation of the project in two phases has does
            not appear to have been considered by the MOEF at all.
            Further, the Ministry of Environment and Forests
            (MOEF), in its clearance dated 31.03.2005, while laying
            down       a   specific    condition     that    “the    Environment
            Management Plan recommended by NEERI should be
            implemented” (Specific Condition ‘xix’), has, at the
            same time, categorically prescribed that the “dredged
            material will be disposed off in the identified sites in
            the sea”, and that “no dredged material will be
            disposed off on land” (specific condition ‘I’). This is in
            clear conflict with the recommendations of NEERI, as
            well as the Environment Management Plan prepared by
            it.   Clearly, despite the caution sounded by the NEERI
            itself, this condition laid down in the environmental
            clearance         would       itself      render        the      project
            environmentally non-viable.              No reason, much less a
            detailed/satisfactory        one,      has    been    given   for   this
            departure from the NEERI’s recommendations; showing
            the total non-application of mind by the MoEF.


H.   Because, in addition to the above, non-application of mind in
     grant of environmental clearance is also evident from the
     fact that issues regarding introduction of alien species into
     the Gulf of Mannar, as well as the Palk Bay, Indian Ocean

                                                                                  11
and Bay of Bengal, have been completely overlooked by the
MOEF.       The ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’, 1992 (an
international convention adopted under the auspices of the
United Nations Environment Programme, to which India is a
signatory), casts the following obligation on all member
states:


 “ Article 8
 In-situ conservation
 (a) – (g) ……………………………………………………


 (h)   Prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate
 those      alien   species   which   threaten   ecosystems,
 habitats or species;”
        NEERI in its study report, while accepting the richness
in biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar, has specifically
adverted to the risk of introduction of alien species into this
pristine and unique habitat, in the following words :


       “ The Channel will facilitate the movement of fish
       and other biota from the Bay of Bengal to the
       Indian Ocean and vice versa.        By this way, the
       entry of oceanic and alien species into the Palk
       Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, as also the dispersal
       of endemic species outside the Palk Bay and the
       Gulf of Mannar could occur.”


       “Excavation of the channel in the Adams Bridge
       sector would provide a deeper passage in the
       sector, which is shallow at present, and serve only
       as    a   barrier.     Underwater   currents   play   a

                                                                 12
significant role, not only in the transportation of
     large marine organisms, plankton biota, fish eggs
     and larvae but also on shore dynamics, specially
     of the islands, reef and paars.     Strong current
     would erode the banks of the canal and carry the
     sediments from one sector to another, which
     ultimately results in accretion of sand in one
     sector and erosion in another sector. Once the
     canal is deepened, the passage would greatly
     increase the movement of fishes and other large
     animals from Bay of Bengal to Indian Ocean and
     vice versa. Hence, the entry of oceanic and alien
     species into Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar and also
     dispersal of endemic species outside Palk Bay and
     Gulf of Mannar would be facilitated.”


     This aspect has not been adverted to at all in the
environmental clearance.    No steps have been prescribed to
cater to this inevitable eventuality and its impact on the
local marine population.    The argument that some water
from the Bay of Bengal enters Palk Bay and has always flown
over the Ram Setu even before the Project is no answer
because the mid-ocean channel envisaged under the Project
would be 12 metres deep and 300 metres wide. Such a deep,
wide channel will permit a much greater range of sea-going
species to pass through into the Gulf of Mannar, which until
now has offered a relatively sheltered habitat for numerous
endangered   species.    Such   uncontrolled   migration   will
certainly lead to the extinction of numerous species.




                                                            13
I.   Because NEERI itself has predicated its EIA study on the
     absence of cyclones and other severe weather conditions on
     the Bay of Bengal. However, there have been numerous severe
     cyclones in this region including one in 1964, which washed
     away the Pamban Bridge. Therefore, NEERI’s study is itself
     fundamentally flawed.     No environmental clearance could
     have been granted based on NEERI’s study if this was the
     underlying assumption.


J.   Because the environmental clearance also does not advert to
     the possibility of blasting at all, and does not prescribe any
     safeguards or conditions in this respect.    This, despite the
     fact that NEERI, in its EIA study report, has specifically
     stated that “dredging may also require blasting if hard
     strata are encountered”, and that “in the event of blasting,
     adverse impact on sea bottom fauna is envisaged”.         This
     aspect, as stated above, finds no mention at all in the
     environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005.


K.   Because, in the respectful submission of the petitioners, a
     reading of the environmental clearance shows that it does
     not    prescribe     specific,   concrete     and     tangible
     measures/safeguards regarding environmental and ecological
     protection, but merely pays lip service, as it were, by setting
     out vague and generalized conditions, such as the following :


           “xiv Strict monitoring should be undertaken at
           four hourly interval round the clock to monitor
           the movement of sediments of dredged material in
           the dredging area and daily on the coast and



                                                                  14
other      sensitive   areas     of    Gulf    of   Mannar
            Biosphere/National Marine Park.


            xvi     Effective monitoring of aquatic ecosystem
            may be done to ensure that no damage is done to
            the turtles, dugongs, flora and other endangered
            species.


     Such vague and general conditions, which are basically
     unenforceable, are not what is expected of a body such as the
     Ministry of Environment and Forests which is charged with
     protecting the environment under the Environment Protection
     Act.


L.   Because the EIA study conducted by the NEERI also does not
     comply with the requirements of the EIA Manual, which
     represents the policy of the Union Ministry of Environment
     and Forests.       The EIA study conducted by NEERI does not
     conform to the requirements of the EIA Manual with regard,
     inter alia, to the following respects:


            The option of how the environment would fare if there
     •
            were ‘no project’ was required to be considered under
            the EIA Manual as a fundamental analytical tool for
            determining      whether       the    environmental    clearance
            should be granted to the Project.


            No assessment was made of the impact of the project on
     •
            significant     historical,     cultural      and   archeological
            sites/places in the area, which is mandated under the



                                                                           15
EIA manual. A reading of the EIA study report does not
     disclose any study having been conducted by the NEERI
     in this behalf, with the aid and assistance of experts in
     the relevant fields. On the other hand, this aspect has
     summarily been brushed aside, in the following words
     found in the executive summary of the NEERI report:


     “…… there are no archaeologically significant
     structures along the proposed canal alignment.
     However,     there    exists    a      probability    of
     cultural/archaeological         artifacts          being
     encountered during the excavation of the canal…”


M.   Because the environmental clearance granted under the
     Environmental    Protection     Act    by   the   Ministry   of
     Environment     and   Forests    betrays     complete      non-
     application of mind. The environmental clearance does
     not take account of the fact stated by NEERI that
     controlled blasting will be required if hard strata are
     encountered during dredging.          NEERI has admitted in
     the EIA Report that dredging itself will destroy bottom
     flora and fauna in a 6 sq. km area of the Palk
     Straits/Gulf of Mannar region. It has admitted further
     that an even greater effect on the surrounding region is
     likely in the event that controlled blasting is done.
     Nevertheless, the environmental clearance of March 31,
     2005 does not take this into account or prescribe any
     steps to resolve this issue.


N.   Because NEERI, the agency selected to do the EIA
     Report for the Project has had no experience of doing an


                                                                  16
EIA for a large marine project of this nature. Moreover,
     as stated by one of India’s most eminent coastal geo-
     morphologists Prof. Victor Rajamanickam, the EIA
     study by NEERI was defective because it did not involve
     specialists       from    earth   sciences     such       as    geo-
     morphologists,           sedimentologists,       mineralogists,
     oceanographers, climatologists, etc., whose presence
     was a vital pre-condition to doing a proper analysis.


O.   Because     the     traditional   mode    of   survival    of   the
     fisherman and the tribals will be destroyed by the
     destruction of coral reefs which are the breeding
     grounds of the fishes.       The Project does not make any
     provision for alternative employment.


P.   Because the Government of India has not made any
     provision     for     compensation       for   the    fisherman
     community and other tribes in the islands of the Project
     area. Along the coast in the Gulf of mannar and Palk
     Bay, there are 138 villages and towns of 5 districts are
     being adversely affected. The Socio–economic profile of
     the fisherman in the villages is so low that more than
     40% families are in debt. The result of the Project will
     be to deprive these communities of fish and they will
     starve.


Q.   Because the implementation of SSCP is uprooting the
     livelihood of 5 lakh fisherman and their families which
     is the violation of the constitutional protection of the
     fundamental right guaranteed by Article 19(1)(g) and
     Artice 14, 21 which guarantee the right to life and


                                                                       17
livelihood and the freedom of the fishermen to carry on
     the trade or business of their choice.


R.   Because the implementation of SSCP will destroy the
     Coral reef which is the breeding ground for the fishes
     which will affect the business of the fishermen which is
     the violation of Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21.


S.   Because no survey has been conducted for the tribal
     inhabitants over the islands and their rehabilitation
     has    not   been    worked    on    before   the   project
     implementation which is violation of the Constitutional
     Protection under Article 244(1), Schedule V Constitution
     of India ,and the other        various Acts which bars
     prohibit or restrict the transfer of the land of the
     tribals.


T.   Because implementation of SSCP constitutes a gross
     violation of the constitutional duties of the State under:


     1)    Article 48A which casts the duty on the State to
           protect and improve the environment and to
           safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.
     2)    Article 46 which casts a duty to the State to
           protect the economic interest of the tribes and
           other weaker sections.
     3)    Article 49 casts a duty on the State to protect
           monuments or place or objects of artistic or
           historic interest from spoliation disfigurement
           destruction, removal, disposal or export as the
           case maybe.


                                                              18
U.   Because      the      petitioners         are   discharging       the
     fundamental duties cast upon every citizen of India
     under Article 51A .

     1)   Article 51A (f) to value and preserve the rich
          heritage of our composite culture;

     2)   Article 51A (g) to protect and improve the national
          environment including forests, lakes, rivers and
          wild life and to have compassion towards living
          creatures.

     3)   Article    51A      (h)   to   develop     scientific    temper,
          humanism and spirit of enquiry and reform 51A (i)
          is to safeguard public property and to abjure
          violence to protect by the fundamental duties


V.   Because the implementation of SSCP has not taken into
     consideration      the     various        provisions   of     Wildlife
     Protection     Act,       and       Air    Pollution   Act,    Forest
     Conservation Act of 1980,                  Water Prevention and
     Control of Pollution Act 1974, Water prevention and
     Control of Pollution rules of 1975, Water prevention and
     Control of Pollution Cess Act of 1977 and the Coastal
     Regulation Zone Notification issued by Ministry of
     Environment and Forests under the Environmental
     Protection Act.


W.   BECAUSE there is a gross violation of the International
     Convention for Prevention of Pollution from ships of
     1973 as modified by the protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73-
     78) to which India is a signatory.


                                                                         19
X.   BECAUSE the implementation of the Project has not
     taken into consideration that the Cultural and the
     Customary Rites of the Hindus would be violated by the
     Project as Ram Setu is claimed by hindus to be their
     TEERTH.    The destruction of Ram Setu by the Project
     will   cause    irreparable   damage    to   the   religious
     sentiments of Hindus as Ram Setu is considered as a
     holy place for performing religious ceremonies and
     oblations which is mentioned in various Puranas and
     Valmiki Ramayana.        Thus, the Project clearly violates
     the constitutional guarantees of the right to practice
     one’s religion under Article 25 and Article 26 of the
     Constitution.


Y.   BECAUSE the Coral reef system as also the ecosystem of
     the tropical rain forest, are the most mature marine
     ecosystems of our planet. Implementation of the project
     will tend to destroy coral reefs which, in turn, would
     tend to cause High sea tides and will increase the
     destruction     caused   by   storm   surges,   hurricanes,
     cyclones etc.


Z.   Because the result of the Project being undertaken near
     the medial line between the “historic waters” of India
     and Sri Lanka in Palk Bay and Palk Straits is that
     these waters will be turned into international waters.
     Countries such as the United States will be able to
     claim a right of free passage (as opposed to merely of
     innocent passage) without the consent of India.



                                                               20
AA.   Because, far from improving national security, the
           project   will   seriously   jeopardize   India’s   national
           security. The Government of India has not applied its
           mind at all to this issue.


     BB.   Because, assuming without admitting that Ram Setu is
           not man-made and is a natural phenomenon, it is still
           worthy of being designated a world heritage site
           because of its importance to Hindus and to Muslims,
           who believe that the original Adam crossed this bridge
           to Sri Lanka and stood still on one leg for 1,000 years
           to repent his sins.


     CC.   Because even an inter-ministerial committee of the
           Government of Sri Lanka has warned about serious
           damage to the environment in Sri Lankan waters on
           account of the Project.      Petitioners crave leave of this
           Hon’ble Court to produce relevant documents in Court if
           and when they become available.



It is important to note that neither the EIA Report declared in May-
August, 2004 by NEERI nor the DPR by L&T Ramboll in February
2005 have taken into account the effect/ likelihood of a tsunami
such as the one on December 26, 2004. A copy of the DPR
submitted by L&T Ramboll is annexed herewith and marked as
ANNEXURE. A copy of the EIA Report submitted by NEERI is
annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE.


The Respondents have been moving at a very fast pace in
implementing the Project only to ensure that it is a fait accompli



                                                                     21
before this Hon’ble Court is able to dispose of the pending cases.
Copies of the progress charts downloaded from the website of
Sethusamudram Corporation are briefed below:


http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Projectstatus.asp Project Status:


Work A and B: Adam’s Bridge (Progress 6.9% as of 31 May 2007)
Work C: Palk Bay II
Work D: Palk Bay I (Progress 98.24% as of 31 May 2007)




Rama Setu is a man-made structure and is of an enormous religious
significance and hence should be deemed a monument of national and
international significance. It is submitted that India which has a
peninsular coast of 3554 nautical miles is surrounded by two seas
i.e. the Bay of Bengal towards the east and the Indian Ocean and
the Arabian Sea towards the west. These two seas have different
currents and if commingled, may cause disastrous conditions. The
two are presently separated by the “Ram setu” the mention of
which is made in many spiritual Hindu holy works like, Valmiki
Ramayana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Bhagwat Purana,
Garuda Purana, Narada Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana,
Brahma Purana and Padma Purana. Mention of the existence of the
Ramsetu is referred to in the Gazetteer of India. Markings of the
Ramsetu are a part of the Survey Marine Maps of the years 1747,
1788 and 1804.


According to geological survey, it is apparent that Miocene Era
limestone beds are under the Adams Bridge which connects Jaffna
peninsula in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram in India.          A Copy of


                                                                22
opinion of S. Badrinarayanan former Director, Geological Survey of
India and an advisor of National Institute of Ocean Technology is
given on Pages 22 to 24 of Rama Setu book annexed.


Certain fundamental duties have been cast upon the Petitioners as
Citizens of India and they are discharging their fundamental
duties under Article 51A of the Constitution, such as:



      a)     51A (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our
             composite culture;

      b)     51A (g) to protect and improve the national environment
             including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have
             compassion towards living creatures.

      c)    51A (h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and
      spirit of enquiry and reform 51A (i) is to safeguard public
      property and to abjure violence to protect by the fundamental
      duties

Between 1860 and 1922 as many as nine proposals were
formulated to cut the channel across the narrow strip of land
mostly through the Rameshwaram Island to connect the Gulf of
Mannar with Palk Bay. After independence, four proposals were
mooted between 1956-1996 regarding the viability of the project.
None of the pre-independence proposals nor the first three post
independence proposals speak of cutting the Rama Setu. However,
the fourth committee not being a committee consisting of marine
experts has proposed to cut Rama Setu in order to implement the
Project.


           There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that
           the Rama Setu is man-made. Moreover, NEERI which was



                                                                     23
mandated     to    examine    this   issue    under    the    citing
        guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has
        simply proceeded on the basis that the Rama Setu is not
        man-made.         Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins
        protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it
        is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of
        India   is   required    to   determine      under    the    Ancient
        Monuments Act, 1958 as to whether or not the Rama Setu
        is man-made.        If it is man-made, its origins certainly
        stretch back into antiquity more than the 100 years
        required under the said Act.         If so, it would be fit and
        proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it
        destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological
        Survey of India to have the Rama Setu declared as an
        ancient monument or an archeological survey as the case
        may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that
        such a monument requires.


A report of the Department of Earth Sciences of Government of
India states as follows:
            [quote]… During the glacial Maxima, the sea level was
           about 130 m lower than what is today. This is
           evidenced both on the east and west coast of India,
           where submerged Corals occur around 1 to 2m water
           depths and they are clear indicators of near coastal
           zone… However, during the last ice age (18,000 year BP)
           the entire area from India to Sri Lanka and further
           south and southeast were contagious land due to the
           highly lowered sea level. As and when there were major
           melting of glaciers both from the mountains as well as
           from the Antarctic area, the sea level was rising. These

                                                                          24
features were well recorded and studied by several
submerged Coral formations all over the world. About
7,300 years BP the sea level in the southern part of
India was about 3.5 m above the present level. This has
been deciphered by Dr.P.K.Banerjee, who studied Corals
that   found   in   the     land   part   as    of   Pamban,
Rameswaram, and Tuticorin etc. Subsequently the sea
level went down and rose +2m above than what is today
between 5000 to 4000 years B.P. .. In almost of all the
boreholes   between       4.5   and   7.5m     the   borehole
intersected hard formations, which have been found to
be calcareous sand stones and corals. It is to be pointed
out here that Corals are comparatively less dense,
compact and somewhat easy to carry. The Corals
normally grow atop compact to hard formations for the
purpose of stability, and as the sea level rises, the Coral
colony grows up vertically to maintain water depth of 1
to 2 m, which is essential for their survival. It is always
observed that these Corals have continuous vertical
growth like Lakshadweep, Andaman's, and Gulf Of
Mannar Natural Park. These have always been found to
grow on hard rock bottom. In the case of Adams bridge
area we observe that the Coral formations hardly occur
1 to 2.5m in length and resting on loose marine sands.
Most of these coral rock pieces are seem to be rounded
pebbles of corals. These things appear to point these
coral rock pieces and pebbles have been transported
and placed in these areas. Since the calcareous sand
stones and Corals are less dense than normal hard rock
and quite compact, probably these were used by the
ancients to form a connecting link to Sri Lanka, on the


                                                           25
higher elevations of the Adams bridge ridge and this is
            analogous to modern day causeway. In support of these
            observations   there   are   many   archaeological     and
            geoarchaeological evidences on the south east coast of
            India around Rameswaram, Tuticorin and the western
            coast of Sri Lanka. There are raised Teri formations
            that supported a rich assemblage of mesolithic –
            microlithic tools indicating the presence of strong
            human habitation and activity in these areas as early
            as 8000 to 9000 years B.P and as recent as 4000 years
            B.P. On Sri Lanka side there are indications of human
            habitation extending to late Pleistocene (about 13,000
            B.P) based on bone and fossils of human and animal
            form. All these point to a flourishing human activity on
            both side of Adams Bridge and probably when the sea
            levels were just right the link between India and Sri
            Lanka could have been established. [unquote] Source:
            Dept. of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India (March 2007)


L.   As Ram Setu clearly was not built within the last 100 years,
     to the extent that it is man-made, it is entitled to be
     designated an “ancient monument” under Section 2(a) read
     with    Section   4   of   the   Ancient   Monuments    or     an
     “archaeological site” under Section 2(d) read with Section 4
     of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
     Remains Act, 1958.


                                         SYNOPSIS AND LIST OF DATES
     The Respondents including the Ministry of Shipping and the
Ministry of Environment in the Union of India as well as the
Government of Tamilnadu are all controlled by the same political


                                                                    26
party, which is rushing through with the Project without any
circumspection despite serious concerns about the dangers posed
by the Project to the lives of the people as well as to sensitive
biodiversity hotspots such as the region where the Project is being
implemented.


Although the Respondent Union of India may seek to defend the
Project on the ground that it is a policy decision of the Government
of India, it is well settled by the decisions of this Hon’ble Court
that a policy decision must be set aside if it violates binding
statutory provisions or the fundamental rights guaranteed by the
Constitution. It is respectfully submitted that the Project and its
implementation are being pushed through in clear violation of the
provisions of various environmental statutes, the mandate of the
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,
1958 and the provisions of Articles 14, 19, 21, 25 and 26 of the
Constitution.


The Project runs through the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Straits
and Palk Bay in a region which was hit by the Tsunami of
December 26, 2004.     However, the mid-ocean channel has been
conceptualized without having taken into account the warnings of
world-renowned Tsunami experts that it could funnel and amplify
the Tsunami waves in a manner that will result in lakhs of deaths
and destroy the coastline of Southern Kerala and Tamilnadu, thus
violating the fundamental rights of citizens of India under Article
21 of the Constitution.    Further, the Project involves not only
dredging over many square kilometers of the ocean floor but also
controlled blasting in the Palk Straits and Gulf of Mannar, which
will endanger the flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve declared by UNESCO to be one of the most important

                                                                  27
biodiversity hotspots in Asia and declared as such by the
Government of India and the State of Tamilnadu.             The Gulf of
Mannar is home to a number of endangered species such as the
dugong (sea cow), the sea horse, sea turtles, whales and dolphins
and to endangered habitats such as coral reefs, mangrove forests
and sea-grasses that support the species named above. Apart from
such serious violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the
environmental clearances for the Project under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986, have been granted in complete violation of
statutory provisions and without taking into account the protective
actions recommended by the National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute, a Central Government Agency (“NEERI”), in the
environmental impact assessment report (the “EIA Report”).


It is vital to note that the Project also involves cutting through the
Ram   Setu   barrier   in   Palk   Straits   (situated   south   east   of
Rameshwaram near Pamban and connects Talaimanar coast of Sri-
Lanka) which is believed to be man made according to highly
reputed marine archaeologists and geologists and whose origins
stretch back into antiquity. No investigation has been done of the
Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as
an ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient
Monuments Act, 1958. The enormous religious sentiment of the
people of India with respect to Ram Setu which is regarded as a
creation of Lord Rama and his Vanara army led by Lord Hanuman
has also been intentionally disregarded by the Government of India
and the Shipping and Environment ministries of the Government of
India, which curiously enough belong to the same political party
that is also the ruling party in Tamilnadu.               U.S. National
Aeronautics and Space Administration satellite pictures showing



                                                                        28
Palk Straits, Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar and Ram Setu
bridge are marked and annexed.


      Further, the Project involves not only dredging over many
square kilometers of the ocean floor but also controlled blasting in
the Palk Straits and Gulf of Mannar, which will endanger the flora
and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve declared by
UNESCO to be one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in
Asia and declared as such by the Government of India and the
State of Tamilnadu. The Gulf of Mannar is home to a number of
endangered species such as the dugong (sea cow), the sea horse,
sea turtles, whales and dolphins and to endangered habitats such
as coral reefs, mangrove forests and sea-grasses that support the
species named above.    Apart from such serious violations of the
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the environmental clearances for the
Project under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, have been
granted in complete violation of statutory provisions and without
taking into account the protective actions recommended by the
National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, a Central
Government   Agency    (“NEERI”),   in   the   environmental   impact
assessment report (the “EIA Report”).


Despite wide ranging investigations by the Petitioners, they have
not been able to find any clearance having been granted by the
State of Tamil Nadu or the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India for the destruction of the wildlife in Schedule
I. Assuming that any clearance has been granted, it is not known
on what basis the wildlife protection division of the Ministry of
Environment and Forests has estimated the numbers of endangered
wildlife in Schedule I which would be destroyed as a result of the
implementation of the Project.


                                                                   29
It is vital to note that the Project also involves cutting
through the Ram Setu barrier in Palk Straits (situated south east
of Rameshwaram near Pamban and connects Talaimanar coast of
Sri- Lanka) which is believed to be man made according to highly
reputed marine archaeologists and geologists and whose origins
stretch back into antiquity. No investigation has been done of the
Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as
an ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient
Monuments Act, 1958.


     There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that
the Rama Setu is man-made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution
enjoins protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it is
respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is
required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as
to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man-made,
its origins stretch back into antiquity, and certainly more than the
100 years required under the said Act. If so, it would be fit and
proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it destroys
the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to
have the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an
archeological survey as the case may be and to ensure that it gets
all the protection that such a monument requires.


     In addition, the environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005 is
vitiated on account of arbitrariness and non-application of mind.
One of the most important environmental aspects of the project is
the problem of disposal/dumping of the dredged material.          The
study report highlights the fact that dredging will lead to increase
in turbidity (i.e., suspended matter in the ocean) at, and in the

                                                                    30
vicinity of, the site; thereby preventing penetration of sunlight into
the water body, which would endanger the survival of marine flora
and fauna at and around the site. For these reasons, quick and
efficient removal of the dredged material is crucial. Further, the
disposal of the dredged material would have to be done in a
manner that minimizes the likelihood of any adverse impact at the
disposal site.    On detailed examination and analyses, the EIA
study by NEERI recommends that disposal would have to take
place both on land, as well as at sea; the clay and silt to be
disposed off/dumped on land or to be used to help reclaim land
near Pumban island, and the sand to be dumped at suitable sites
in the sea, at least 20-25 kilometres from the Gulf of Mannar
Marine Biosphere Reserve.




Destruction of the Eco-Marine Biosphere and the Coral Reef.
      The Gulf of Mannar reefs are developed around a chain of 21
1)
      islands that lie along the 140 km stretch between Tuticorin
      and Rameswaram.          These islands are located between
      latitude 8°47’ N and 9°15’N and longitude 78°12’E and
      79°14’ E. The islands lie at an average of about 8 km from
      the main land. They are a part of the Mannar Barrier reef,
      which is about 140 km long and 25 km wide between Pamban
      and Tuticorin.    Different types of reef forms such as shore,
      platform, patch and fringing type are also observed in the
      Gulf of Mannar.     The islands have fringing coral reefs and
      patch reefs around them. Narrow fringing reefs are located
      mostly at a distance of 50 to 100 m from the islands. On the
      other hand patch reefs rise from depths of 2 to 9 m and
      extend to 1 to 2 km in length with width as much as 50
      meters.    Reef flat is extensive in almost all the reefs in the


                                                                    31
Gulf of Mannar. Reef vegetation is richly distributed on these
     reefs.    The total area occupied by reef and its associated
     features is 94.3 Sq. km.            Reef flat and reef vegetation
     including algae occupies 64.9 and 13.7 Sq. km, respectively.
     Visibility is affected by monsoons, coral mining and high
     sedimentation load.         These reefs are more luxuriant and
     richer than the reefs of Palk Bay.


     There are about 96 species of corals belonging to 36 genera
2)
     in the Gulf of Mannar. The most commonly occurring genera
     of    corals   are   Acropora,     Montipora     and   Porites.   Coral
     associates such as ornamental fishes belonging to the family
     Chaetodontidae, (butterfly fish); Amphiprion spp (clown fish),
     Holocentrus        spp   (squirrelfish),   Scarus   spp   (parrotfish),
     Lutjanus spp (snapper fish) and Abudefdul saxatilis (Sergeant
     Major) are found. Extensive sea grass beds are present; green
     turtles, olive ridley turtles and dugongs are dependent on the
     sea grasses.


     The      Central     Government’s      Coastal      Regulation    Zone
3)
     Notification 1991 regulates onshore development activities,
     which affect coastal environments, and strictly prohibits the
     collection and trade of corals. The Wildlife Protection Act
     1972 protects certain areas and certain marine species.
     Efforts continue to bring corals under this act and to
     encourage enforcement that is more stringent. Coral reef
     conservation is also included in the Environmental Protection
     Act, 1986, the National Conservation Strategy and Policy
     Statement on Environmental Development (1992) and the
     Action Plan of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The
     conservation and management of coral reef resources is


                                                                          32
within the mandate of the Ministry of Environment and
     Forests, the focal point for the Indian Coral Reef Monitoring
     Network and the National focal point of ICRI.


     India has 6 marine protected areas; the largest is the Gulf of
4)
     Mannar      Biosphere    Reserve   (GoMBR),   which    encompasses
     10,500 sq km. The reefs there have been neglected and there
     is no systematic monitoring of the status of the reefs except
     for occasional EIA studies for development activities. There is
     a great need for training of conservation officers to manage
     the   protected    areas     and    funding    for    infrastructure
     development.


     Coral Reef Monitoring Action Plans (CRMAPs), prepared under
the first phase of the GCRMN, have been launched within the
framework of the ICRMN for all reef areas except the Gulf of Kutch.
Government support has been extended for the implementation of
the CRMAPs and to build capacity to monitor reefs through
training. However, activities are still at a beginning and overall the
capacity   for   monitoring    and   management     is    lacking.   Other
significant international initiatives on the Indian coral reefs
underway and under development include UNDP/GEF DPF B Projects
on the Gulf of Mannar and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the
Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean project (CORDIO), an
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Training Project (ICZOMAT)
funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID)
and an India-Australia Training and Capacity Building (IATCB)
programme. The above stated data is based on the article
downloaded from http://envfor.nic.in/icrmn/misc/ cres.html
     Coral reef systems as also the ecosystem of the tropical rain
5)
     forests are the most matured marine ecosystems of our

                                                                        33
planet. They play an important role in global biochemical
     processes and in the reproduction of food resources in the
     tropical regions. Coral reefs act as a barrier against wave
     action along coastal areas thus preventing coastal erosion. In
     addition, coral reefs protect mangroves and sea grass beds in
     certain areas, which are the breeding and nursing grounds of
     various economically important fauna. Coral reefs are also
     important breeding, spawning, nesting, and feeding areas for
     many economically important varieties of fishes and other
     marine organisms. Coral reefs are a distinctive shoreline
     habitat of stunning visual appeal found only between
     latitudes 30°N and 30°S. They grow only where sea surface
     temperatures are above 20°C, the seabed is kept silt-free by
     prevailing currents and waves, and there is intense surface
     sunlight. Most living coral communities do not grow at depths
     of more than 50 m, although some grow at depths of 100 m.
     The people living along the coast obtain a considerable
     proportion of their food and earnings from the productivity of
     coral reefs. Coral reef ecosystems are very sensitive to
     external impacts both natural and manmade, which violate
     their homeostasis.


     Therefore,    according      to   the     above    reports,        the
implementation of the Project may destroy coral reefs which, in
turn, may tend to cause High sea tides, surges, hurricanes,
cyclones etc.




     Evaluation    of   the   environmental/ecological impact      of    a
6)
     maritime project is usually based on a detailed study of
     geological,        biological, physical      and        chemical


                                                                         34
oceanographic parameters. These factors play an important
and collective role. If any one of these factors is stressed
beyond the manageable and threshold limit, the system gets
affected adversely beyond repair. Turbidity (suspension of
clay and mud in a column of water) is one such factor.
This could be fatal to an ecosystem. Unfortunately, according
to an estimate, the Project dredging may displace around 9.7
million m3 bulk of rock, shoal and sediments, making the
water column highly turbid till the project is completed. The
operation will displace/release a few hundred thousand tons
of   clay-size       particles. The       stressed   turbidity    causes
imbalance in O2–CO2 ratio, imperative for life and health of
phytoplanktons, which are the lowest in the marine ‘food
chain’. Moreover, if this kind of turbidity continues for a long
duration (i.e., till completion of the project), penetration of
sunlight below 2–3 m depth will be blurred. This will check
the photo-inhibitation and lower the pH of water as CO2
supply will continue due to respiration of animals, while
release    of   O2    will   diminish      amidst the   slow     pace   of
photosynthesis.        This process       will   encourage     abundant
growth of anaerobic organisms and may worsen the health of
other organisms. Coral reefs, the land-bridging platforms and
lungs of the shallow oceans, are at decline worldwide due to
anthropogenic impact/activity. Coral reefs are biotherms that
favour high biodiversity vis-à-vis supporting standing crop of
phytoplanktons. Like tropical rainforests, coral reefs have
evolved               complex interdependent                 community
structures despite or more likely, because of paucity of
nutrient    resources        in   their     environments. The      turbid
conditions that the Project is likely to cause will harm and
destroy corals within a short span of time.

                                                                        35
Moreover, Vibro Core operations are carried out for assessing
the   physical    characteristics       and    determination     of    the     geo-
technical properties of the softer sediments. Dr Seshagiri, Former
,Director of the Geological Survey India expresses his concern over
the amenability to conventional dredging of not only                  the rocky
strata but also of the softer sediments with high N-Value. Dr.
Seshagiri’s views were published on Sept. 9, 2005.


      Further, the Project envisages dredging of the sea floor of
12.8 meters deep, 300 meters wide for permitting 2 way traffic of
ships. If there happens to be a sudden tilt in the sea bed while
dredging, it may cause numerous violent processes, such as a
major change in drift, possible change in gravitational pull etc.
These      alarming    concerns       have     been     expressed      by     Prof.
Rajamanickam,         one    of    India’s    most    eminent    Coastal       geo-
morphologists and mineralogists.


Geographically, past experiences have shown that ignoring these
environmental concerns could cause a lot of damage. For example,
when Panama canal was first designed, the problem of land slides
was ignored thus resulting in additional excavation, i.e., more
than double the original volume estimates resulting in cost and
time over runs.


NEERI EIA Report does not address all relevant issues.
      The objectives for the EIA study are stated to be “assessment
7)
      of    environmental         impacts,    its    quantification    and      for
      delineating environmental management plan for [the Project]
      to enable the Ministry of Shipping to obtain environmental
      clearances      from        concerned    local,    state   and        central


                                                                                 36
Government authorities”.           The final report of the NEERI
      states that a rapid environmental impact assessment study
      report was first prepared, after which a comprehensive EIA
      report was prepared. [Para 1.5.1 of the NEERI report]. The
      final comprehensive report appears to have been prepared
      in/around May/ August, 2004.


      The study is stated to have included components pertaining
8)
      to the coastal water environment, marine environment, land
      environment,        biological   environment,   socio-economic     and
      health environment, ecological risks etc.            An Environment
      Management Plan was also drawn up as part of the study.
      [Para 1.5.4]


      Further, the EIA study itself states that permission/approval
9)
      form the following agencies/organizations would be required
      for the project :
               Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board
           •
               Tamil Nadu State Forest & Environment Department
           •
               Tamil Nadu Maritime Board
           •
               State Wildlife Warden
           •
               Chief Conservator of Forests
           •
               Ministry of Environment and Forests
           •
               Ministry of Defence / Indian Navy
           •
               Archeological Department
           •
               Ministry of External Affairs
           •
               The Government of Sri Lanka
           •
               [Para 1.7]

      The Petitioners, despite their best efforts, have not been able
10)
      to locate material available in public domain which would
      show that approvals/permission from each of the said
      agencies were in fact obtained before commencement of work
      on       the   Project.   The    record   clearly   shows   that   the



                                                                          37
environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005 given by the
      Ministry of Environment and Forests (the one clearance which
      does appear to have been obtained) is vitiated by sheer non-
      application of mind and arbitrariness.            This would be clear
      from the grounds raised by the petitioners in the present
      petition.


      In any event, it is relevant to point out that the entire EIA
11)
      study was undertaken by the NEERI in the pre-tsunami era;
      the final report having been submitted in/around May, 2004,
                                 26th
      much     before      the          December,     2004   Tsunami.       The
      occurrence of the tsunami has resulted in a fundamental
      change in circumstances, warranting a thorough multi-
      disciplinary        re-examination       and    reevaluation     of   the
      environmental and other aspects of the project. Though the
      environmental clearance was given on 31.03.2005, 3 months
      after the tsunami, no efforts were made to undertake any
      fresh exercise in view of the changes in the conditions
      brought about by the tsunami.


      The Petitioners have also learnt that in March, 2005, the
12)
      office of the Prime Minister of India had raised concerns
      regarding the impact of a future tsunami on the project,
      which ought to have been subjected to a multi-disciplinary
      evaluation.         As stated above, the tsunami which hit the
      Indian      coast    on    26.12.2004,    and    caused   wide    spread
      devastation, should have warranted a review of the entire
      project, and, at the very least, suitable changes should have
      been made to account for the impact of the said tsunami, as
      well to provide for the effects of any future tsunami. However,
      even the concerns raised by the office of the Prime Minister of


                                                                             38
India were given a go by, and no review/re-examination of the
      project     was   ever    undertaken;    on    the    other     hand,
      environmental clearance was accorded in an arbitrary and
      mechanical manner, as set out in detail in the grounds of the
      present petition.




Other Issues
      Moreover, the dangers posed by the Project violate the UN Law
13)
      of Sea Convention, 1982.



      Part II      Section2, Article 6 deals with Reefs, Article 9 tells
                   on Mouths of Rivers, Article 10 speaks about Bays.

      Part V       Article 61 - Conservation of the living resources,
                   Article 64 - Highly Migratory species.

                   Article - 65 and Part VII, Section 2, Article 120
                   also speaks on Marine Mammals.

      Part VII     Section 2, Article 116 speaks on fishing rights.

      Part XI      Section     2,   Article   145    and    Article    237
                   emphasizing       that     protection     of     Marine
                   Environment is obligatory. In the same part
                   Article 146 urges the need for protecting the
                   Human life, Article 149 and Part XVI, Article 303
                   both deals with Archaeological and historical
                   objects.

      Part XIII    Section 3, Article 254 dealt with Rights of
                   neighboring      land-locked     and    geographically
                   disadvantaged States.



                                                                         39
In an article entitled “Will ship use canal at such costs?” by
14)
      K.S. Ramakrishnan, Former Deputy Chairman, Madras Port
      Trust   while   expressing    his    views   suggest       that   the
      comparative cost that a ship has to pay while passing
      through the canal, the Levy will be Rs. 60 Lakhs while the
      same ship has to spend only 1/8 of the Project’s likely levy
      i.e., just Rs. 7 Lakhs for the ship to Sail round Shri Lanka to
      reach   Chennai   Port.   A   copy    of   the   Article    of    K.S.
      Ramakrishnan is at Page 51 of Rama Setu book annexed.

Former CM of Tamilnadu Ku. J. Jayalalitha stated that “Ministry
of Environment and Forests, Government of India, should have
waited for the NOC (No-objection Certificate) from the State of
Tamilnadu which is mandatory under the regulations framed by
the Ministry itself”.

The Petitioners understand that till now the Indian Government
has not officially notified Sri Lanka of the Project proposal.
Moreover, it is also the Petitioners understanding that an NOC has
not been obtained from the Government of Sri-Lanka or Maldives
which is mandatory.
      It is vital to note that the Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka and
Rameswaram in India are linked via Miocene era lime stone reefs.
And if, for the purpose of the Project, these reefs are dredged, there
is a fear that half of Jaffna peninsula & nearly 85 islands on the
western and north western coast of Sri Lanka and half of
Rameswaram in India will go under water. There is also a fear
that a sizable section of the fishermen in North and North western
part of Sri Lanka will also be adversely affected as well as the
fishermen of the Republic of Maldives. In fact, a Memorandum on
the likely destruction due to the proposed Project was submitted to
the Indian High Commissioner H.E Smt Nirupama Rao, by National




                                                                          40
Movement against Setusamudram, an organistation consisting of
123 members.


      The Petitioners are also alarmed by the news items which
show that religious hindu sentiments have been affected by the
project and that it has led to a nation-wide agitation which in turn
can lead to violence.


      NEERI’s note of caution has been totally disregarded. Firstly,
the recommendation regarding the implementation of the project in
two phases has does not appear to have been considered by the
MOEF at all.     Further, the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MOEF), in its clearance dated 31.03.2005, while laying down a
specific    condition     that    “the   Environment        Management        Plan
recommended by NEERI should be implemented” (Specific Condition
‘xix’), has, at the same time, categorically prescribed that the
“dredged material will be disposed off in the identified sites in the
sea”, and that “no dredged material will be disposed off on land”
(specific   condition     ‘I’).   This   is in     clear    conflict   with    the
recommendations         of    NEERI,     as     well   as   the   Environment
Management Plan prepared by it.               Clearly, despite the caution
sounded by the NEERI itself, this condition laid down in the
environmental      clearance       would      itself   render     the    project
environmentally         non-viable.        No     reason,     much      less    a
detailed/satisfactory one, has been given for this departure from
the NEERI’s recommendations; showing the total non-application of
mind by the MoEF.The enormous religious sentiment of the people
of India with respect to Ram Setu which is regarded as a creation
of Lord Rama and his Vanara army led by Lord Hanuman has also
been intentionally disregarded by the Government of India and the
Shipping and Environment ministries of the Government of India,


                                                                                41
which curiously enough belong to the same political party that is
also the ruling party in Tamilnadu.                 This clearly raises issues
under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.


Accordingly, it is respectfully submitted that this Hon’ble Court
should intervene in the matter to ensure that mandatory statutory
provisions in environmental statutes are not violated and that the
fundamental rights of the citizens of India, particularly of Kerala
and Tamilnadu are protected.

This counter filed by the Government confirms the importance of undertaking a
conclusive study with full resources and participation of the Archaeological Survey of
India, which is charged with the protection of ancient monuments and archaeological
sites/ remains.

The respondents are carrying on with the project, reporting about 7% progress in
the Adam’s Bridge segment of dredging (as reported in their website
http://sethusamudram.gov.in) , in violation of mandatory, statutory obligations in
the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and that
they have proceeded without any conclusive material despite the religious and
archaeological significance of Rama Setu.

It is noted that paragraph 23, repeatedly uses the verb quot;might bequot;, which means the
deponent himself is admitting that he is not sure.

Paragraph 26, admits that the result of the investigation by GSI was only a
quot;preliminary conclusionquot; again, there is a doubt. Moreover, paragraphs 24 and 25 no
where state explicitly that the boreholes drilled were on Adam's Bridge. The
paragraph 27 in turn is based on the views of a team of geologists invited by
respondent SCL, which has an extremely strong self interest in denying the historical
significance of Rama Setu.

As against this a reputed Government body such as the NIOT, has undertaken
studies that strongly suggest, if not confirm, that Adam's Bridge is man made.

With respect to paragraph 28, it is refreshing candour that the Government
authorities themselves admit and rely upon records that Rama's Bridge did exist
once upon a time. A bridge should have existed for it to be claimed to have been
destroyed by Rama. The very same document from which the selective quote has
been cited also repeatedly refers to the fact that what was later called Adam’s Bridge
was indeed Rama’s Bridge (Ramar Paalam) or Nala Setu or Setu bandha, names
used in cartographic maps and epigraphs and also in the logo of the Survey of India,
established in 1767 which refers to Bharatam boundaries as aasetu himachalam
(From Setu to the Himalayas).

It may be noted that in Paragraph 17 (i), the respondents state: “The creation of the
channel will also afford an opportunity to the pilgrims to visit Adam’s Bridge, not
possible today, and offer obeisance as the SCL is contemplating provision of a
Viewing Gallery along the channel alignment.” This is clear admission by the



                                                                                     42
respondents that this Ramar Paalam (Rama Setu also called Adam’s Bridge) is a
pilgrimage place and it is refreshing candour on the part of the respondents to
concede that pilgrims do “offer obeisance.” We submit that this statement of the
respondent confirms the petitioner’s claim that this should be deemed to be an
ancient monument, a sacred pilgrimage tirthasthaanam.

In fact, this statement in Paragraph 17 (i) runs counter to the statement in
Paragraph 13 (i) of the respondents’ counter: “It is further denied that the said
bridge is a cultural heritage or ancient monument or archaeological site and
remains.” We submit overwhelming epigraphical, numismatic, cartographic, textual
and scientific evidence to counter this statement and false claim by the respondents.

       It is clear from the respondents’ statements that no investigation has been
done of the Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as an
ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958.
       There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that the Rama Setu is
man-made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of the cultural
heritage of India.   Therefore, it is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological
Survey of India is required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as
to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man-made, its origins stretch
back into antiquity, and certainly more than the 100 years required under the said
Act. If so, it would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before
it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to have
the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey as the
case may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that such a monument
requires.


The Gulf of Mannar falls in the Indo-Pacific region, considered to
be one of world's richest marine biological resources. The Gulf has
been chosen as a biosphere reserve primarily because of its
biological and ecological uniqueness. The region has a distinctive
socio-economic and cultural profile shaped by its geography. It has
an ancient maritime history and was famous for the production of
pearls. Pearls were an important item of our trade with the Roman
Empire as early as the first century A.D., while Rameswaram, with
its links in legend to the Ramayana, has been an important
pilgrim centre. The region has been and continues to be famous for




                                                                                     43
its production of chank (Indian conch) although irrational chank
fishing has severely depleted stocks.


The Gulf of Mannar has 3,600 species of plants and animals that
makes it India's biologically richest coastal region. It is, of course,
specially known for its corals, of which there are 117 species
belonging to 37 genera. It is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, between
South Eastern India and Western Sri Lanka. The Gulf of Mannar is
130 km to 275 km wide and 160 km long. During high tide, the
seawater would raise to more than 1.2 meters above the sea level.
Full of beach ridges, the Gulf of Mannar can be grouped into: (I)
Beach ridges south of Vaigai River; (II) Beach ridges between
Kotangudi River and Palar River; (III) Beach ridges between Palar
River and Gundar River system; (IV) Beach ridges between Gundar
River and Vaippar River; and (v) Beach ridges south of Vaippar
River. In addition, the biosphere reserve in the area has 17
different mangrove species. The total water logged land has been
calculated to be 5.96 sq. km. Eight series of Strand Lines can also
be observed, apart from the Sea Cliff and Caves. The Palk Strait is
an inlet of Bay of Bengal which is 64 kms to 137 kms wide and
137 kms long. Several Indian rivers including Vaigai flows into the
Palk Strait and it also contains many islands which belong to Sri
Lanka.
Threat of Tsunami if the project is implemented.
      As stated above, if the Project is implemented and a channel
15)
      with a depth of 12m is created, then it will act as another
      route for a Tsunami wave to travel and will be directed
      towards Southern Kerala. It is important to note that neither
      the EIA Report declared in May-August, 2004 by NEERI nor
      the DPR by L&T Ramboll in February 2005 have taken into



                                                                     44
account the effect/ likelihood of a Tsunami such as the one
      on December 26, 2004.


      Various world-renowned Tsunami experts have warned that
16)
      the project could have dangerous consequences if it is
      implemented.     Prof Tad. S. Murthy, an advisor to the
      Government of Canada on Tsunamis,       in an interview has
      stated as follows:

           “……I feel that the Bay of Bengal entrance of the
           present orientation of the channel will undoubtedly
           funnel tsunami energy into the channel and this will
           meet the tsunami traveling from south of Sri Lanka at
           the southern part of Kerala and through constructive
           interference    will   augment   the   tsunami     wave
           amplitudes. The southern part of Kerala was not much
           impacted by the 26th December 2004 tsunami mainly
           because the tsunami that arrived from the Indian Ocean
           has to diffract around Sri Lanka, which necessarily has
           to take a very wide turn (because tsunamis are long
           gravity waves and cannot bend as easily as short
           waves, just like a big car versus a mini. A mini cut
           corners, but a big car has to take very wide turns.) and
           missed south Kerala……”

           “…It is very easy to show that the SSCP channel with a
           depth of 12m will indeed provide another route for the
           tsunami and the energy will be directed towards south
           Kerala.”

A copy of the interview given by Prof. Tad S. Murthy is provided in
Pages 216 to 220 of Rama Setu book annexed herewith.




                                                                 45
Another expert, C. P. Rajendran from Centre for Earth Science
Studies, Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram has written an article in
CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 89, No. 2, 25 JULY 2005 in which he has
stated as follows:

            “The question of cyclonic disturbances in changing the
            sedimentary        budget   of    the    region      has     not        been
            properly addressed          by     the         EIA      studies,        and
            consequently       skews    the    predicted estimates             of    the
            sedimentation       pattern      and     its    rate.     This     means
            that total amount of material to be dredged could be
            much more than what had been predicted. Another
            question is how would the cyclones rework the dredged
            material      to     be     dumped             at    various        sites,
            although fortified          with          embankments                   (e.g.
            Dhanushkodi).

      A copy of C.P. Rajendran’s article is annexed herewith.
      (Annex 12)




Annex 1: NASA’s considered views and ISRO Resource Satetllite information
Annex 2: Copper plate inscription of Parantaka Chola refers to ‘Setu’
Annex 3: Evidence of Ramayyan Ammanai an ancient manuscript printed
under Madras Oriental Series, references to Rama’s Bridge, Setu

Annex 4. Cartographic evidence for Nalan, Ramarcoil

Annex 5. Numismatic evidence for Setu: Pre-modern coinage of Srilanka
(Ceylon)

Annex 6: Evidence for concerns expressed during the British Rule for the
archaeological importance of Rama Setu and recommending archaeological
investigations

Annex 7: Textual evidences for Rama’s bridge or Setubandha

Annex 8: Evidence for objections raised against the Project alignment as
early as September 2005


                                                                                      46
Annex 9: Possibility of restoring the land-link between Bharatam and
Srilanka restoring the Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu

Annex 10: Setu Channel passage: 34 Lankan experts call it eco disaster

Annex 11: Historic Waters Agreement between India and Sri Lanka

Annex 12: Sethusamudram shipping canal project and the eternal silence of
the Indian earth scientists (CP Rajendran)

Annex 13: Reports on the Press meet held by Min. of Science and
Technology on June 2, 2007 in New Delhi offering samples for testing




                                                                         47

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Countertocounter2

  • 1. Prayer to the court should to stop the project, rejecting every submission made in the counter filed by respondents on May 29, 2007 and to issue a writ of mandamus directing Central Government to declare Rama Setu as an ancient monument of national importance Supreme Court on sacred objects Hon. Supreme Court’s observations given vide paragraph number 7 of its judgement reported as S. Veerabadran Chettiar v. E. V. Ramaswami Naicker and others (AIR 1958 Supreme Court 1032) (as appearing on page 1035 of AIR 1958 Supreme Court) are reproduced as follows: “…. Any object however trivial or destitute of real value in itself if regarded as sacred by any class of persons would come within the meaning of the penal section (295 of Indian Penal Code). Nor is it absolutely necessary that the object, in order to be held sacred, should have been actually worshipped. An object may be held sacred by a class of persons without being worshipped by them. It is clear, therefore, that the courts below were rather cynical in so lightly brushing aside the religious susceptibilities of that class of persons to which the complainant claims to belong. The section has been intended to respect the religious susceptibilities of persons of different religious persuasions or creeds. Courts have got to be very circumspect in such matters, and to pay due regard to the feelings and religious emotions of different classes of persons with different beliefs, irrespective of the consideration whether or not they share those beliefs, or whether they are rational or otherwise, in the opinion of the court.” In view of the principles stipulated in the Supreme Court’s above-mentioned judgement, Ram Setu is a sacred object for Hindus within the meaning of section 295 of Indian Penal Code, and any action destroying, damaging or defiling the said sacred object will insult the religious feelings of Hindus under section 295 of Indian Penal Code. While matters of sacredness CANNOT be decided by science, it is noted that in a Press meet on 2 June 2007, by Minister for Science and Technology, reports of which have appeared and provided as Annexure 12, soil samples will be made available to the public for testing. Until these tests are completed, the Hon’ble Court should restrain the respondents from carrying out any work which touches or damages Rama Setu (what the respondent claims to be Adam’s Bridge). The Hon’ble Court may also direct the appointment of an Advocate Commission to be assisted by a multi- disciplinary team of experts to review the results of these tests and to report on the religious susceptibilities of the people who consider the Rama Setu a sacred pilgrimage site and a world heritage monument, exemplifying the quintessence of Bharatiya values. 1
  • 2. PRAYER In view of the facts stated and grounds pleaded hereinbelow, the petitioners respectfully pray that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to grant any or all of the following prayers, each of which is made without prejudice to the others: 1) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to the decision of the Union of India to undertake/proceed with the ‘Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project’, and quash the said decision; 2) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to the ‘Environmental Clearance’ dated 31.03.2005 granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, and quash the same; 3) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to clearance/permission granted to the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and quash the same; 2
  • 3. 4) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus, directing the respondents herein not to implement the ‘Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project’; 5) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus, directing the Central Government to declare the ‘Ram Sethu’ as an ancient monument of national importance, under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958; 6) Pass such other and/or further order(s) as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit in the present case. It is submitted that the project as sought to be implemented by the government cannot be allowed to continue. The petitioners are seeking reliefs from this Hon’ble Court, interalia, on the following grounds:- GROUNDS A. Because the Project has been conceptualized without taking into account the likelihood of a Tsunami or its effects in a manner that is arbitrary and unreasonable and violates the fundamental right to equality under Article 14 and the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Neither the EIA report by NEERI completed in 3
  • 4. May/August 2004 nor the DPR by L&T/Ramboll for the Project completed in February 2005 have taken into account the likelihood or effects of a Tsunami despite the massive destruction caused by the Tsunami of December 26, 2004. Prof. Tad S. Murthy, a world-renowned Tsunami expert and a former editor of Tsunami Effects Review, has pointed out that the alignment of the mid-ocean channel is such that it will funnel and amplify the wave from a Tsunami from South East Asia so as to cause massive destruction to lives and property on the Southern Kerala and Tamilnadu Coasts. B. Because neither the EIA Report nor the DPR have undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the Tsunami of December 2004 on the sensitive Gulf of Mannar and Palk Straits and Palk Bay region, in particular bathymetry (depth) surveys, sedimentation effects and effects of ocean currents. C. Because the precautionary principle has not been kept in mind when giving environmental clearances for the Project under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. In Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India, (1996) 5 SCC 647, at page 658, this Hon’ble Court pointed out that “Where there are threats of serious and irreversible damage, lack of scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.” Despite the fact that there is a serious likelihood of danger to the unique habitat and the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mannar from dredging and dumping of material from the ocean floor to widen the channel to 300 metres wide and 12 metres deep, the Respondents are going ahead with the Project without considering the serious environmental 4
  • 5. degradation that may result. The endangered species in this region include the dugong (sea cow), sea horses, five species of marine turtles and whales and dolphins. There is also a unique link species between vertebrates and invertebrates called the Balano-glossus that is unique to the region. These species thrive in the endangered habitats consisting of mangrove forests and sea grasses surrounding the islands on the Southern Coast of Tamilnadu which have been declared a national park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. UNESCO has declared the Gulf of Mannar as a biosphere reserve because it is a biodiversity hotspot and the Government of India together with the Government of Tamilnadu have confirmed this declaration of a biosphere reserve for purposes of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Because, as a biosphere reserve declared by the Government of India and the Government of Tamilnadu, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is entitled to the protections contemplated by Chapter IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and no permit for activities destructive of wildlife such as those inherent in the Project may be granted except in order to protect wildlife. D. Because there is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that the Rama Setu is man-made. NEERI which was mandated to examine this issue under the citing guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has simply proceeded on the basis that the Rama Setu is not man- made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man- 5
  • 6. made, its origins certainly stretch back into antiquity more than the 100 years required under the said Act. If so, it would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to have the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey as the case may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that such a monument requires. E. Because the Project will certainly result in destruction of endangered species such as dugongs, two varieties of dolphins, certain turtles and certain species of whales in the Gulf of Mannar region, which are all listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and are entitled to protection under the provisions of that Act. F. Because even the Prime Minister’s Office has expressed serious doubts about the advisability of the Project on grounds of public safety from future Tsunamis and the weaknesses in the EIA report, the techno-economic feasibility study and the detailed project report. G. Because the costs of the Project have already gone up manifold from the Rs. 2,300 crores projected in the Detailed Project Report on the basis of which the Project was determined to be economically feasible. Even at the originally projected cost of Rs. 2,300 crores, there were serious doubts about economic feasibility of the Project. Now, therefore, the Project has clearly become economically unviable. 6
  • 7. H. Because, at the very outset and without prejudice to all the other submissions and grounds raised in this petition, it is respectfully submitted that there has been a fundamental change in circumstances which warrants a complete, comprehensive and exhaustive multi-disciplinary reevaluation of the SSCP project and its likely impact on the lives of thousands of persons inhabiting the southern coast of Kerala; the change in circumstance being the tsunami which of 26th December, 2004. hit the Indian coast on It is submitted that the entire EIA study was undertaken by the NEERI in the pre-tsunami era; the final report having been 26th submitted in/around May, 2004, much before the December, 2004 Tsunami. Though the environmental clearance was given on 31.03.2005, 3 months after the tsunami, no efforts were made to undertake any fresh exercise in view of the changes in the conditions brought about by the tsunami. I. Because, in addition, it is also relevant that the region is known to be, essentially, a sedimentation sink; and there is ample evidence pointing to the fact that the tsunami has altered the bathymetry of the region. The sea bed has risen in height in most places, on account of deposit of silt etc. carried by the tsunami and deposited in these areas. None of these factors have ever been taken into account by any of the expert bodies/authorities. J. Because the prospect and impact of a future tsunami have also not been considered or dealt with before grant of environmental clearance. The petitioners have learnt that in March, 2005, the office of the Prime Minister of India had 7
  • 8. raised concerns regarding the impact of a future tsunami on the project, which ought to have been subjected to a multi- disciplinary evaluation. However, even the concerns raised by the office of the Prime Minister of India were given a go by, and no review/re-examination of the project was ever undertaken; on the other hand, environmental clearance was accorded in a mechanical manner, as set out below. K. Because, in addition to the above, the environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005 is vitiated on account of arbitrariness and non-application of mind, as is clear from the following: (i) One of the most important environmental aspects of the project is the problem of disposal/dumping of the dredged material. The study report highlights the fact that dredging shall lead to increase in turbidity at, and in the vicinity of, the site; thereby preventing penetration of sunlight into the water body, which would endanger the survival of marine flora and fauna at and around the site. For these reasons, quick and efficient removal of the dredged material is crucial. Further, the disposal of the dredged material would have to be done in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of any adverse impact at the disposal site. The study report analyses the two available options, viz, disposal on land, and disposal in the sea. On detailed examination and analyses, the study recommends that disposal would have to take place both on land, as well as at sea; the clay and silt to be disposed off/dumped on land or to be used to help 8
  • 9. reclaim land near Pumban island, and the sand to be dumped at suitable sites in the sea, atleast 20-25 kilometres from the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve. The following passages from the study report are relevant: “ Thus impact due to dredge disposal could be minimized by selecting option of land disposal for dredged spoil containing higher percentage of clay and silt. Balance dredged spoil containing sand could be disposed in sea. As sand particles have discrete setting, rise in turbidity of sea water at disposal location is not envisaged thereby minimizing impact on primary production…” “………… It is proposed that spoil containing a mixture of clay and sand will be disposed on degraded areas of Pamban island for reclaiminf the land subject to approval of Forest and Environment Department (TN) for use of area falling under CRZ as dumping of wastes in CRZ area is not permissible activity. Balance 30 million cu. meters spoil containing mainly sand ……………… will be discharged in sea 25 Km away from the dredging area keeping safe distance from the medial line……………………………” 9
  • 10. (ii) Even the Environment Management Plan envisages a similar methodology for disposal of the dredged material. The following extract from the ‘Executive Summary’ of the study report, dealing with the Environment Management Plan is relevant : “Environmental Management Plan Construction Phase ……………Dredged spoil comprising clay and sand upto 2 m of dredging depth will be used for reclaiming degraded land in Pamban island subject to approval of FED for CRZ. Balance dredged spoil will be disposed in sea at a depth 30-40 m, 20-25 km away from islands in National Marine Park in Gulf of Mannar. Dredged spoil generated in Palk Strait / Palk Bay area will be disposed in open sea in Bay of Bengal at 25-40 m depth, 30-60 km away from dredging area.” (iii) The study report also recommended that the project be implemented in two phases; the first phase involving dredging the channel upto 10m depth, and the depth being increased to 12m in the second phase only after observing and analyzing the environmental impact of the first phase. The report itself adds a word of 10
  • 11. caution, stating that “the route would become environmentally viable only if the management plans and recommended measures are strictly followed”. (iv) This note of caution has been totally disregarded. Firstly, the recommendation regarding the implementation of the project in two phases has does not appear to have been considered by the MOEF at all. Further, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), in its clearance dated 31.03.2005, while laying down a specific condition that “the Environment Management Plan recommended by NEERI should be implemented” (Specific Condition ‘xix’), has, at the same time, categorically prescribed that the “dredged material will be disposed off in the identified sites in the sea”, and that “no dredged material will be disposed off on land” (specific condition ‘I’). This is in clear conflict with the recommendations of NEERI, as well as the Environment Management Plan prepared by it. Clearly, despite the caution sounded by the NEERI itself, this condition laid down in the environmental clearance would itself render the project environmentally non-viable. No reason, much less a detailed/satisfactory one, has been given for this departure from the NEERI’s recommendations; showing the total non-application of mind by the MoEF. H. Because, in addition to the above, non-application of mind in grant of environmental clearance is also evident from the fact that issues regarding introduction of alien species into the Gulf of Mannar, as well as the Palk Bay, Indian Ocean 11
  • 12. and Bay of Bengal, have been completely overlooked by the MOEF. The ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’, 1992 (an international convention adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, to which India is a signatory), casts the following obligation on all member states: “ Article 8 In-situ conservation (a) – (g) …………………………………………………… (h) Prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species;” NEERI in its study report, while accepting the richness in biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar, has specifically adverted to the risk of introduction of alien species into this pristine and unique habitat, in the following words : “ The Channel will facilitate the movement of fish and other biota from the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean and vice versa. By this way, the entry of oceanic and alien species into the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, as also the dispersal of endemic species outside the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar could occur.” “Excavation of the channel in the Adams Bridge sector would provide a deeper passage in the sector, which is shallow at present, and serve only as a barrier. Underwater currents play a 12
  • 13. significant role, not only in the transportation of large marine organisms, plankton biota, fish eggs and larvae but also on shore dynamics, specially of the islands, reef and paars. Strong current would erode the banks of the canal and carry the sediments from one sector to another, which ultimately results in accretion of sand in one sector and erosion in another sector. Once the canal is deepened, the passage would greatly increase the movement of fishes and other large animals from Bay of Bengal to Indian Ocean and vice versa. Hence, the entry of oceanic and alien species into Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar and also dispersal of endemic species outside Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar would be facilitated.” This aspect has not been adverted to at all in the environmental clearance. No steps have been prescribed to cater to this inevitable eventuality and its impact on the local marine population. The argument that some water from the Bay of Bengal enters Palk Bay and has always flown over the Ram Setu even before the Project is no answer because the mid-ocean channel envisaged under the Project would be 12 metres deep and 300 metres wide. Such a deep, wide channel will permit a much greater range of sea-going species to pass through into the Gulf of Mannar, which until now has offered a relatively sheltered habitat for numerous endangered species. Such uncontrolled migration will certainly lead to the extinction of numerous species. 13
  • 14. I. Because NEERI itself has predicated its EIA study on the absence of cyclones and other severe weather conditions on the Bay of Bengal. However, there have been numerous severe cyclones in this region including one in 1964, which washed away the Pamban Bridge. Therefore, NEERI’s study is itself fundamentally flawed. No environmental clearance could have been granted based on NEERI’s study if this was the underlying assumption. J. Because the environmental clearance also does not advert to the possibility of blasting at all, and does not prescribe any safeguards or conditions in this respect. This, despite the fact that NEERI, in its EIA study report, has specifically stated that “dredging may also require blasting if hard strata are encountered”, and that “in the event of blasting, adverse impact on sea bottom fauna is envisaged”. This aspect, as stated above, finds no mention at all in the environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005. K. Because, in the respectful submission of the petitioners, a reading of the environmental clearance shows that it does not prescribe specific, concrete and tangible measures/safeguards regarding environmental and ecological protection, but merely pays lip service, as it were, by setting out vague and generalized conditions, such as the following : “xiv Strict monitoring should be undertaken at four hourly interval round the clock to monitor the movement of sediments of dredged material in the dredging area and daily on the coast and 14
  • 15. other sensitive areas of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere/National Marine Park. xvi Effective monitoring of aquatic ecosystem may be done to ensure that no damage is done to the turtles, dugongs, flora and other endangered species. Such vague and general conditions, which are basically unenforceable, are not what is expected of a body such as the Ministry of Environment and Forests which is charged with protecting the environment under the Environment Protection Act. L. Because the EIA study conducted by the NEERI also does not comply with the requirements of the EIA Manual, which represents the policy of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The EIA study conducted by NEERI does not conform to the requirements of the EIA Manual with regard, inter alia, to the following respects: The option of how the environment would fare if there • were ‘no project’ was required to be considered under the EIA Manual as a fundamental analytical tool for determining whether the environmental clearance should be granted to the Project. No assessment was made of the impact of the project on • significant historical, cultural and archeological sites/places in the area, which is mandated under the 15
  • 16. EIA manual. A reading of the EIA study report does not disclose any study having been conducted by the NEERI in this behalf, with the aid and assistance of experts in the relevant fields. On the other hand, this aspect has summarily been brushed aside, in the following words found in the executive summary of the NEERI report: “…… there are no archaeologically significant structures along the proposed canal alignment. However, there exists a probability of cultural/archaeological artifacts being encountered during the excavation of the canal…” M. Because the environmental clearance granted under the Environmental Protection Act by the Ministry of Environment and Forests betrays complete non- application of mind. The environmental clearance does not take account of the fact stated by NEERI that controlled blasting will be required if hard strata are encountered during dredging. NEERI has admitted in the EIA Report that dredging itself will destroy bottom flora and fauna in a 6 sq. km area of the Palk Straits/Gulf of Mannar region. It has admitted further that an even greater effect on the surrounding region is likely in the event that controlled blasting is done. Nevertheless, the environmental clearance of March 31, 2005 does not take this into account or prescribe any steps to resolve this issue. N. Because NEERI, the agency selected to do the EIA Report for the Project has had no experience of doing an 16
  • 17. EIA for a large marine project of this nature. Moreover, as stated by one of India’s most eminent coastal geo- morphologists Prof. Victor Rajamanickam, the EIA study by NEERI was defective because it did not involve specialists from earth sciences such as geo- morphologists, sedimentologists, mineralogists, oceanographers, climatologists, etc., whose presence was a vital pre-condition to doing a proper analysis. O. Because the traditional mode of survival of the fisherman and the tribals will be destroyed by the destruction of coral reefs which are the breeding grounds of the fishes. The Project does not make any provision for alternative employment. P. Because the Government of India has not made any provision for compensation for the fisherman community and other tribes in the islands of the Project area. Along the coast in the Gulf of mannar and Palk Bay, there are 138 villages and towns of 5 districts are being adversely affected. The Socio–economic profile of the fisherman in the villages is so low that more than 40% families are in debt. The result of the Project will be to deprive these communities of fish and they will starve. Q. Because the implementation of SSCP is uprooting the livelihood of 5 lakh fisherman and their families which is the violation of the constitutional protection of the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 19(1)(g) and Artice 14, 21 which guarantee the right to life and 17
  • 18. livelihood and the freedom of the fishermen to carry on the trade or business of their choice. R. Because the implementation of SSCP will destroy the Coral reef which is the breeding ground for the fishes which will affect the business of the fishermen which is the violation of Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21. S. Because no survey has been conducted for the tribal inhabitants over the islands and their rehabilitation has not been worked on before the project implementation which is violation of the Constitutional Protection under Article 244(1), Schedule V Constitution of India ,and the other various Acts which bars prohibit or restrict the transfer of the land of the tribals. T. Because implementation of SSCP constitutes a gross violation of the constitutional duties of the State under: 1) Article 48A which casts the duty on the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country. 2) Article 46 which casts a duty to the State to protect the economic interest of the tribes and other weaker sections. 3) Article 49 casts a duty on the State to protect monuments or place or objects of artistic or historic interest from spoliation disfigurement destruction, removal, disposal or export as the case maybe. 18
  • 19. U. Because the petitioners are discharging the fundamental duties cast upon every citizen of India under Article 51A . 1) Article 51A (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; 2) Article 51A (g) to protect and improve the national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion towards living creatures. 3) Article 51A (h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of enquiry and reform 51A (i) is to safeguard public property and to abjure violence to protect by the fundamental duties V. Because the implementation of SSCP has not taken into consideration the various provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, and Air Pollution Act, Forest Conservation Act of 1980, Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1974, Water prevention and Control of Pollution rules of 1975, Water prevention and Control of Pollution Cess Act of 1977 and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environmental Protection Act. W. BECAUSE there is a gross violation of the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from ships of 1973 as modified by the protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73- 78) to which India is a signatory. 19
  • 20. X. BECAUSE the implementation of the Project has not taken into consideration that the Cultural and the Customary Rites of the Hindus would be violated by the Project as Ram Setu is claimed by hindus to be their TEERTH. The destruction of Ram Setu by the Project will cause irreparable damage to the religious sentiments of Hindus as Ram Setu is considered as a holy place for performing religious ceremonies and oblations which is mentioned in various Puranas and Valmiki Ramayana. Thus, the Project clearly violates the constitutional guarantees of the right to practice one’s religion under Article 25 and Article 26 of the Constitution. Y. BECAUSE the Coral reef system as also the ecosystem of the tropical rain forest, are the most mature marine ecosystems of our planet. Implementation of the project will tend to destroy coral reefs which, in turn, would tend to cause High sea tides and will increase the destruction caused by storm surges, hurricanes, cyclones etc. Z. Because the result of the Project being undertaken near the medial line between the “historic waters” of India and Sri Lanka in Palk Bay and Palk Straits is that these waters will be turned into international waters. Countries such as the United States will be able to claim a right of free passage (as opposed to merely of innocent passage) without the consent of India. 20
  • 21. AA. Because, far from improving national security, the project will seriously jeopardize India’s national security. The Government of India has not applied its mind at all to this issue. BB. Because, assuming without admitting that Ram Setu is not man-made and is a natural phenomenon, it is still worthy of being designated a world heritage site because of its importance to Hindus and to Muslims, who believe that the original Adam crossed this bridge to Sri Lanka and stood still on one leg for 1,000 years to repent his sins. CC. Because even an inter-ministerial committee of the Government of Sri Lanka has warned about serious damage to the environment in Sri Lankan waters on account of the Project. Petitioners crave leave of this Hon’ble Court to produce relevant documents in Court if and when they become available. It is important to note that neither the EIA Report declared in May- August, 2004 by NEERI nor the DPR by L&T Ramboll in February 2005 have taken into account the effect/ likelihood of a tsunami such as the one on December 26, 2004. A copy of the DPR submitted by L&T Ramboll is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE. A copy of the EIA Report submitted by NEERI is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE. The Respondents have been moving at a very fast pace in implementing the Project only to ensure that it is a fait accompli 21
  • 22. before this Hon’ble Court is able to dispose of the pending cases. Copies of the progress charts downloaded from the website of Sethusamudram Corporation are briefed below: http://sethusamudram.gov.in/Projectstatus.asp Project Status: Work A and B: Adam’s Bridge (Progress 6.9% as of 31 May 2007) Work C: Palk Bay II Work D: Palk Bay I (Progress 98.24% as of 31 May 2007) Rama Setu is a man-made structure and is of an enormous religious significance and hence should be deemed a monument of national and international significance. It is submitted that India which has a peninsular coast of 3554 nautical miles is surrounded by two seas i.e. the Bay of Bengal towards the east and the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea towards the west. These two seas have different currents and if commingled, may cause disastrous conditions. The two are presently separated by the “Ram setu” the mention of which is made in many spiritual Hindu holy works like, Valmiki Ramayana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Bhagwat Purana, Garuda Purana, Narada Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana, Brahma Purana and Padma Purana. Mention of the existence of the Ramsetu is referred to in the Gazetteer of India. Markings of the Ramsetu are a part of the Survey Marine Maps of the years 1747, 1788 and 1804. According to geological survey, it is apparent that Miocene Era limestone beds are under the Adams Bridge which connects Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram in India. A Copy of 22
  • 23. opinion of S. Badrinarayanan former Director, Geological Survey of India and an advisor of National Institute of Ocean Technology is given on Pages 22 to 24 of Rama Setu book annexed. Certain fundamental duties have been cast upon the Petitioners as Citizens of India and they are discharging their fundamental duties under Article 51A of the Constitution, such as: a) 51A (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; b) 51A (g) to protect and improve the national environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion towards living creatures. c) 51A (h) to develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of enquiry and reform 51A (i) is to safeguard public property and to abjure violence to protect by the fundamental duties Between 1860 and 1922 as many as nine proposals were formulated to cut the channel across the narrow strip of land mostly through the Rameshwaram Island to connect the Gulf of Mannar with Palk Bay. After independence, four proposals were mooted between 1956-1996 regarding the viability of the project. None of the pre-independence proposals nor the first three post independence proposals speak of cutting the Rama Setu. However, the fourth committee not being a committee consisting of marine experts has proposed to cut Rama Setu in order to implement the Project. There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that the Rama Setu is man-made. Moreover, NEERI which was 23
  • 24. mandated to examine this issue under the citing guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has simply proceeded on the basis that the Rama Setu is not man-made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man-made, its origins certainly stretch back into antiquity more than the 100 years required under the said Act. If so, it would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to have the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey as the case may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that such a monument requires. A report of the Department of Earth Sciences of Government of India states as follows: [quote]… During the glacial Maxima, the sea level was about 130 m lower than what is today. This is evidenced both on the east and west coast of India, where submerged Corals occur around 1 to 2m water depths and they are clear indicators of near coastal zone… However, during the last ice age (18,000 year BP) the entire area from India to Sri Lanka and further south and southeast were contagious land due to the highly lowered sea level. As and when there were major melting of glaciers both from the mountains as well as from the Antarctic area, the sea level was rising. These 24
  • 25. features were well recorded and studied by several submerged Coral formations all over the world. About 7,300 years BP the sea level in the southern part of India was about 3.5 m above the present level. This has been deciphered by Dr.P.K.Banerjee, who studied Corals that found in the land part as of Pamban, Rameswaram, and Tuticorin etc. Subsequently the sea level went down and rose +2m above than what is today between 5000 to 4000 years B.P. .. In almost of all the boreholes between 4.5 and 7.5m the borehole intersected hard formations, which have been found to be calcareous sand stones and corals. It is to be pointed out here that Corals are comparatively less dense, compact and somewhat easy to carry. The Corals normally grow atop compact to hard formations for the purpose of stability, and as the sea level rises, the Coral colony grows up vertically to maintain water depth of 1 to 2 m, which is essential for their survival. It is always observed that these Corals have continuous vertical growth like Lakshadweep, Andaman's, and Gulf Of Mannar Natural Park. These have always been found to grow on hard rock bottom. In the case of Adams bridge area we observe that the Coral formations hardly occur 1 to 2.5m in length and resting on loose marine sands. Most of these coral rock pieces are seem to be rounded pebbles of corals. These things appear to point these coral rock pieces and pebbles have been transported and placed in these areas. Since the calcareous sand stones and Corals are less dense than normal hard rock and quite compact, probably these were used by the ancients to form a connecting link to Sri Lanka, on the 25
  • 26. higher elevations of the Adams bridge ridge and this is analogous to modern day causeway. In support of these observations there are many archaeological and geoarchaeological evidences on the south east coast of India around Rameswaram, Tuticorin and the western coast of Sri Lanka. There are raised Teri formations that supported a rich assemblage of mesolithic – microlithic tools indicating the presence of strong human habitation and activity in these areas as early as 8000 to 9000 years B.P and as recent as 4000 years B.P. On Sri Lanka side there are indications of human habitation extending to late Pleistocene (about 13,000 B.P) based on bone and fossils of human and animal form. All these point to a flourishing human activity on both side of Adams Bridge and probably when the sea levels were just right the link between India and Sri Lanka could have been established. [unquote] Source: Dept. of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India (March 2007) L. As Ram Setu clearly was not built within the last 100 years, to the extent that it is man-made, it is entitled to be designated an “ancient monument” under Section 2(a) read with Section 4 of the Ancient Monuments or an “archaeological site” under Section 2(d) read with Section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. SYNOPSIS AND LIST OF DATES The Respondents including the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Environment in the Union of India as well as the Government of Tamilnadu are all controlled by the same political 26
  • 27. party, which is rushing through with the Project without any circumspection despite serious concerns about the dangers posed by the Project to the lives of the people as well as to sensitive biodiversity hotspots such as the region where the Project is being implemented. Although the Respondent Union of India may seek to defend the Project on the ground that it is a policy decision of the Government of India, it is well settled by the decisions of this Hon’ble Court that a policy decision must be set aside if it violates binding statutory provisions or the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. It is respectfully submitted that the Project and its implementation are being pushed through in clear violation of the provisions of various environmental statutes, the mandate of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the provisions of Articles 14, 19, 21, 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Project runs through the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Straits and Palk Bay in a region which was hit by the Tsunami of December 26, 2004. However, the mid-ocean channel has been conceptualized without having taken into account the warnings of world-renowned Tsunami experts that it could funnel and amplify the Tsunami waves in a manner that will result in lakhs of deaths and destroy the coastline of Southern Kerala and Tamilnadu, thus violating the fundamental rights of citizens of India under Article 21 of the Constitution. Further, the Project involves not only dredging over many square kilometers of the ocean floor but also controlled blasting in the Palk Straits and Gulf of Mannar, which will endanger the flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO to be one of the most important 27
  • 28. biodiversity hotspots in Asia and declared as such by the Government of India and the State of Tamilnadu. The Gulf of Mannar is home to a number of endangered species such as the dugong (sea cow), the sea horse, sea turtles, whales and dolphins and to endangered habitats such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and sea-grasses that support the species named above. Apart from such serious violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the environmental clearances for the Project under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, have been granted in complete violation of statutory provisions and without taking into account the protective actions recommended by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, a Central Government Agency (“NEERI”), in the environmental impact assessment report (the “EIA Report”). It is vital to note that the Project also involves cutting through the Ram Setu barrier in Palk Straits (situated south east of Rameshwaram near Pamban and connects Talaimanar coast of Sri- Lanka) which is believed to be man made according to highly reputed marine archaeologists and geologists and whose origins stretch back into antiquity. No investigation has been done of the Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as an ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958. The enormous religious sentiment of the people of India with respect to Ram Setu which is regarded as a creation of Lord Rama and his Vanara army led by Lord Hanuman has also been intentionally disregarded by the Government of India and the Shipping and Environment ministries of the Government of India, which curiously enough belong to the same political party that is also the ruling party in Tamilnadu. U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration satellite pictures showing 28
  • 29. Palk Straits, Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar and Ram Setu bridge are marked and annexed. Further, the Project involves not only dredging over many square kilometers of the ocean floor but also controlled blasting in the Palk Straits and Gulf of Mannar, which will endanger the flora and fauna of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO to be one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in Asia and declared as such by the Government of India and the State of Tamilnadu. The Gulf of Mannar is home to a number of endangered species such as the dugong (sea cow), the sea horse, sea turtles, whales and dolphins and to endangered habitats such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and sea-grasses that support the species named above. Apart from such serious violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the environmental clearances for the Project under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, have been granted in complete violation of statutory provisions and without taking into account the protective actions recommended by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, a Central Government Agency (“NEERI”), in the environmental impact assessment report (the “EIA Report”). Despite wide ranging investigations by the Petitioners, they have not been able to find any clearance having been granted by the State of Tamil Nadu or the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for the destruction of the wildlife in Schedule I. Assuming that any clearance has been granted, it is not known on what basis the wildlife protection division of the Ministry of Environment and Forests has estimated the numbers of endangered wildlife in Schedule I which would be destroyed as a result of the implementation of the Project. 29
  • 30. It is vital to note that the Project also involves cutting through the Ram Setu barrier in Palk Straits (situated south east of Rameshwaram near Pamban and connects Talaimanar coast of Sri- Lanka) which is believed to be man made according to highly reputed marine archaeologists and geologists and whose origins stretch back into antiquity. No investigation has been done of the Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as an ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958. There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that the Rama Setu is man-made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man-made, its origins stretch back into antiquity, and certainly more than the 100 years required under the said Act. If so, it would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to have the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey as the case may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that such a monument requires. In addition, the environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005 is vitiated on account of arbitrariness and non-application of mind. One of the most important environmental aspects of the project is the problem of disposal/dumping of the dredged material. The study report highlights the fact that dredging will lead to increase in turbidity (i.e., suspended matter in the ocean) at, and in the 30
  • 31. vicinity of, the site; thereby preventing penetration of sunlight into the water body, which would endanger the survival of marine flora and fauna at and around the site. For these reasons, quick and efficient removal of the dredged material is crucial. Further, the disposal of the dredged material would have to be done in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of any adverse impact at the disposal site. On detailed examination and analyses, the EIA study by NEERI recommends that disposal would have to take place both on land, as well as at sea; the clay and silt to be disposed off/dumped on land or to be used to help reclaim land near Pumban island, and the sand to be dumped at suitable sites in the sea, at least 20-25 kilometres from the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve. Destruction of the Eco-Marine Biosphere and the Coral Reef. The Gulf of Mannar reefs are developed around a chain of 21 1) islands that lie along the 140 km stretch between Tuticorin and Rameswaram. These islands are located between latitude 8°47’ N and 9°15’N and longitude 78°12’E and 79°14’ E. The islands lie at an average of about 8 km from the main land. They are a part of the Mannar Barrier reef, which is about 140 km long and 25 km wide between Pamban and Tuticorin. Different types of reef forms such as shore, platform, patch and fringing type are also observed in the Gulf of Mannar. The islands have fringing coral reefs and patch reefs around them. Narrow fringing reefs are located mostly at a distance of 50 to 100 m from the islands. On the other hand patch reefs rise from depths of 2 to 9 m and extend to 1 to 2 km in length with width as much as 50 meters. Reef flat is extensive in almost all the reefs in the 31
  • 32. Gulf of Mannar. Reef vegetation is richly distributed on these reefs. The total area occupied by reef and its associated features is 94.3 Sq. km. Reef flat and reef vegetation including algae occupies 64.9 and 13.7 Sq. km, respectively. Visibility is affected by monsoons, coral mining and high sedimentation load. These reefs are more luxuriant and richer than the reefs of Palk Bay. There are about 96 species of corals belonging to 36 genera 2) in the Gulf of Mannar. The most commonly occurring genera of corals are Acropora, Montipora and Porites. Coral associates such as ornamental fishes belonging to the family Chaetodontidae, (butterfly fish); Amphiprion spp (clown fish), Holocentrus spp (squirrelfish), Scarus spp (parrotfish), Lutjanus spp (snapper fish) and Abudefdul saxatilis (Sergeant Major) are found. Extensive sea grass beds are present; green turtles, olive ridley turtles and dugongs are dependent on the sea grasses. The Central Government’s Coastal Regulation Zone 3) Notification 1991 regulates onshore development activities, which affect coastal environments, and strictly prohibits the collection and trade of corals. The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 protects certain areas and certain marine species. Efforts continue to bring corals under this act and to encourage enforcement that is more stringent. Coral reef conservation is also included in the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environmental Development (1992) and the Action Plan of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The conservation and management of coral reef resources is 32
  • 33. within the mandate of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the focal point for the Indian Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the National focal point of ICRI. India has 6 marine protected areas; the largest is the Gulf of 4) Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR), which encompasses 10,500 sq km. The reefs there have been neglected and there is no systematic monitoring of the status of the reefs except for occasional EIA studies for development activities. There is a great need for training of conservation officers to manage the protected areas and funding for infrastructure development. Coral Reef Monitoring Action Plans (CRMAPs), prepared under the first phase of the GCRMN, have been launched within the framework of the ICRMN for all reef areas except the Gulf of Kutch. Government support has been extended for the implementation of the CRMAPs and to build capacity to monitor reefs through training. However, activities are still at a beginning and overall the capacity for monitoring and management is lacking. Other significant international initiatives on the Indian coral reefs underway and under development include UNDP/GEF DPF B Projects on the Gulf of Mannar and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean project (CORDIO), an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Training Project (ICZOMAT) funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and an India-Australia Training and Capacity Building (IATCB) programme. The above stated data is based on the article downloaded from http://envfor.nic.in/icrmn/misc/ cres.html Coral reef systems as also the ecosystem of the tropical rain 5) forests are the most matured marine ecosystems of our 33
  • 34. planet. They play an important role in global biochemical processes and in the reproduction of food resources in the tropical regions. Coral reefs act as a barrier against wave action along coastal areas thus preventing coastal erosion. In addition, coral reefs protect mangroves and sea grass beds in certain areas, which are the breeding and nursing grounds of various economically important fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding, spawning, nesting, and feeding areas for many economically important varieties of fishes and other marine organisms. Coral reefs are a distinctive shoreline habitat of stunning visual appeal found only between latitudes 30°N and 30°S. They grow only where sea surface temperatures are above 20°C, the seabed is kept silt-free by prevailing currents and waves, and there is intense surface sunlight. Most living coral communities do not grow at depths of more than 50 m, although some grow at depths of 100 m. The people living along the coast obtain a considerable proportion of their food and earnings from the productivity of coral reefs. Coral reef ecosystems are very sensitive to external impacts both natural and manmade, which violate their homeostasis. Therefore, according to the above reports, the implementation of the Project may destroy coral reefs which, in turn, may tend to cause High sea tides, surges, hurricanes, cyclones etc. Evaluation of the environmental/ecological impact of a 6) maritime project is usually based on a detailed study of geological, biological, physical and chemical 34
  • 35. oceanographic parameters. These factors play an important and collective role. If any one of these factors is stressed beyond the manageable and threshold limit, the system gets affected adversely beyond repair. Turbidity (suspension of clay and mud in a column of water) is one such factor. This could be fatal to an ecosystem. Unfortunately, according to an estimate, the Project dredging may displace around 9.7 million m3 bulk of rock, shoal and sediments, making the water column highly turbid till the project is completed. The operation will displace/release a few hundred thousand tons of clay-size particles. The stressed turbidity causes imbalance in O2–CO2 ratio, imperative for life and health of phytoplanktons, which are the lowest in the marine ‘food chain’. Moreover, if this kind of turbidity continues for a long duration (i.e., till completion of the project), penetration of sunlight below 2–3 m depth will be blurred. This will check the photo-inhibitation and lower the pH of water as CO2 supply will continue due to respiration of animals, while release of O2 will diminish amidst the slow pace of photosynthesis. This process will encourage abundant growth of anaerobic organisms and may worsen the health of other organisms. Coral reefs, the land-bridging platforms and lungs of the shallow oceans, are at decline worldwide due to anthropogenic impact/activity. Coral reefs are biotherms that favour high biodiversity vis-à-vis supporting standing crop of phytoplanktons. Like tropical rainforests, coral reefs have evolved complex interdependent community structures despite or more likely, because of paucity of nutrient resources in their environments. The turbid conditions that the Project is likely to cause will harm and destroy corals within a short span of time. 35
  • 36. Moreover, Vibro Core operations are carried out for assessing the physical characteristics and determination of the geo- technical properties of the softer sediments. Dr Seshagiri, Former ,Director of the Geological Survey India expresses his concern over the amenability to conventional dredging of not only the rocky strata but also of the softer sediments with high N-Value. Dr. Seshagiri’s views were published on Sept. 9, 2005. Further, the Project envisages dredging of the sea floor of 12.8 meters deep, 300 meters wide for permitting 2 way traffic of ships. If there happens to be a sudden tilt in the sea bed while dredging, it may cause numerous violent processes, such as a major change in drift, possible change in gravitational pull etc. These alarming concerns have been expressed by Prof. Rajamanickam, one of India’s most eminent Coastal geo- morphologists and mineralogists. Geographically, past experiences have shown that ignoring these environmental concerns could cause a lot of damage. For example, when Panama canal was first designed, the problem of land slides was ignored thus resulting in additional excavation, i.e., more than double the original volume estimates resulting in cost and time over runs. NEERI EIA Report does not address all relevant issues. The objectives for the EIA study are stated to be “assessment 7) of environmental impacts, its quantification and for delineating environmental management plan for [the Project] to enable the Ministry of Shipping to obtain environmental clearances from concerned local, state and central 36
  • 37. Government authorities”. The final report of the NEERI states that a rapid environmental impact assessment study report was first prepared, after which a comprehensive EIA report was prepared. [Para 1.5.1 of the NEERI report]. The final comprehensive report appears to have been prepared in/around May/ August, 2004. The study is stated to have included components pertaining 8) to the coastal water environment, marine environment, land environment, biological environment, socio-economic and health environment, ecological risks etc. An Environment Management Plan was also drawn up as part of the study. [Para 1.5.4] Further, the EIA study itself states that permission/approval 9) form the following agencies/organizations would be required for the project : Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board • Tamil Nadu State Forest & Environment Department • Tamil Nadu Maritime Board • State Wildlife Warden • Chief Conservator of Forests • Ministry of Environment and Forests • Ministry of Defence / Indian Navy • Archeological Department • Ministry of External Affairs • The Government of Sri Lanka • [Para 1.7] The Petitioners, despite their best efforts, have not been able 10) to locate material available in public domain which would show that approvals/permission from each of the said agencies were in fact obtained before commencement of work on the Project. The record clearly shows that the 37
  • 38. environmental clearance dated 31.03.2005 given by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (the one clearance which does appear to have been obtained) is vitiated by sheer non- application of mind and arbitrariness. This would be clear from the grounds raised by the petitioners in the present petition. In any event, it is relevant to point out that the entire EIA 11) study was undertaken by the NEERI in the pre-tsunami era; the final report having been submitted in/around May, 2004, 26th much before the December, 2004 Tsunami. The occurrence of the tsunami has resulted in a fundamental change in circumstances, warranting a thorough multi- disciplinary re-examination and reevaluation of the environmental and other aspects of the project. Though the environmental clearance was given on 31.03.2005, 3 months after the tsunami, no efforts were made to undertake any fresh exercise in view of the changes in the conditions brought about by the tsunami. The Petitioners have also learnt that in March, 2005, the 12) office of the Prime Minister of India had raised concerns regarding the impact of a future tsunami on the project, which ought to have been subjected to a multi-disciplinary evaluation. As stated above, the tsunami which hit the Indian coast on 26.12.2004, and caused wide spread devastation, should have warranted a review of the entire project, and, at the very least, suitable changes should have been made to account for the impact of the said tsunami, as well to provide for the effects of any future tsunami. However, even the concerns raised by the office of the Prime Minister of 38
  • 39. India were given a go by, and no review/re-examination of the project was ever undertaken; on the other hand, environmental clearance was accorded in an arbitrary and mechanical manner, as set out in detail in the grounds of the present petition. Other Issues Moreover, the dangers posed by the Project violate the UN Law 13) of Sea Convention, 1982. Part II Section2, Article 6 deals with Reefs, Article 9 tells on Mouths of Rivers, Article 10 speaks about Bays. Part V Article 61 - Conservation of the living resources, Article 64 - Highly Migratory species. Article - 65 and Part VII, Section 2, Article 120 also speaks on Marine Mammals. Part VII Section 2, Article 116 speaks on fishing rights. Part XI Section 2, Article 145 and Article 237 emphasizing that protection of Marine Environment is obligatory. In the same part Article 146 urges the need for protecting the Human life, Article 149 and Part XVI, Article 303 both deals with Archaeological and historical objects. Part XIII Section 3, Article 254 dealt with Rights of neighboring land-locked and geographically disadvantaged States. 39
  • 40. In an article entitled “Will ship use canal at such costs?” by 14) K.S. Ramakrishnan, Former Deputy Chairman, Madras Port Trust while expressing his views suggest that the comparative cost that a ship has to pay while passing through the canal, the Levy will be Rs. 60 Lakhs while the same ship has to spend only 1/8 of the Project’s likely levy i.e., just Rs. 7 Lakhs for the ship to Sail round Shri Lanka to reach Chennai Port. A copy of the Article of K.S. Ramakrishnan is at Page 51 of Rama Setu book annexed. Former CM of Tamilnadu Ku. J. Jayalalitha stated that “Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, should have waited for the NOC (No-objection Certificate) from the State of Tamilnadu which is mandatory under the regulations framed by the Ministry itself”. The Petitioners understand that till now the Indian Government has not officially notified Sri Lanka of the Project proposal. Moreover, it is also the Petitioners understanding that an NOC has not been obtained from the Government of Sri-Lanka or Maldives which is mandatory. It is vital to note that the Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka and Rameswaram in India are linked via Miocene era lime stone reefs. And if, for the purpose of the Project, these reefs are dredged, there is a fear that half of Jaffna peninsula & nearly 85 islands on the western and north western coast of Sri Lanka and half of Rameswaram in India will go under water. There is also a fear that a sizable section of the fishermen in North and North western part of Sri Lanka will also be adversely affected as well as the fishermen of the Republic of Maldives. In fact, a Memorandum on the likely destruction due to the proposed Project was submitted to the Indian High Commissioner H.E Smt Nirupama Rao, by National 40
  • 41. Movement against Setusamudram, an organistation consisting of 123 members. The Petitioners are also alarmed by the news items which show that religious hindu sentiments have been affected by the project and that it has led to a nation-wide agitation which in turn can lead to violence. NEERI’s note of caution has been totally disregarded. Firstly, the recommendation regarding the implementation of the project in two phases has does not appear to have been considered by the MOEF at all. Further, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), in its clearance dated 31.03.2005, while laying down a specific condition that “the Environment Management Plan recommended by NEERI should be implemented” (Specific Condition ‘xix’), has, at the same time, categorically prescribed that the “dredged material will be disposed off in the identified sites in the sea”, and that “no dredged material will be disposed off on land” (specific condition ‘I’). This is in clear conflict with the recommendations of NEERI, as well as the Environment Management Plan prepared by it. Clearly, despite the caution sounded by the NEERI itself, this condition laid down in the environmental clearance would itself render the project environmentally non-viable. No reason, much less a detailed/satisfactory one, has been given for this departure from the NEERI’s recommendations; showing the total non-application of mind by the MoEF.The enormous religious sentiment of the people of India with respect to Ram Setu which is regarded as a creation of Lord Rama and his Vanara army led by Lord Hanuman has also been intentionally disregarded by the Government of India and the Shipping and Environment ministries of the Government of India, 41
  • 42. which curiously enough belong to the same political party that is also the ruling party in Tamilnadu. This clearly raises issues under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. Accordingly, it is respectfully submitted that this Hon’ble Court should intervene in the matter to ensure that mandatory statutory provisions in environmental statutes are not violated and that the fundamental rights of the citizens of India, particularly of Kerala and Tamilnadu are protected. This counter filed by the Government confirms the importance of undertaking a conclusive study with full resources and participation of the Archaeological Survey of India, which is charged with the protection of ancient monuments and archaeological sites/ remains. The respondents are carrying on with the project, reporting about 7% progress in the Adam’s Bridge segment of dredging (as reported in their website http://sethusamudram.gov.in) , in violation of mandatory, statutory obligations in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and that they have proceeded without any conclusive material despite the religious and archaeological significance of Rama Setu. It is noted that paragraph 23, repeatedly uses the verb quot;might bequot;, which means the deponent himself is admitting that he is not sure. Paragraph 26, admits that the result of the investigation by GSI was only a quot;preliminary conclusionquot; again, there is a doubt. Moreover, paragraphs 24 and 25 no where state explicitly that the boreholes drilled were on Adam's Bridge. The paragraph 27 in turn is based on the views of a team of geologists invited by respondent SCL, which has an extremely strong self interest in denying the historical significance of Rama Setu. As against this a reputed Government body such as the NIOT, has undertaken studies that strongly suggest, if not confirm, that Adam's Bridge is man made. With respect to paragraph 28, it is refreshing candour that the Government authorities themselves admit and rely upon records that Rama's Bridge did exist once upon a time. A bridge should have existed for it to be claimed to have been destroyed by Rama. The very same document from which the selective quote has been cited also repeatedly refers to the fact that what was later called Adam’s Bridge was indeed Rama’s Bridge (Ramar Paalam) or Nala Setu or Setu bandha, names used in cartographic maps and epigraphs and also in the logo of the Survey of India, established in 1767 which refers to Bharatam boundaries as aasetu himachalam (From Setu to the Himalayas). It may be noted that in Paragraph 17 (i), the respondents state: “The creation of the channel will also afford an opportunity to the pilgrims to visit Adam’s Bridge, not possible today, and offer obeisance as the SCL is contemplating provision of a Viewing Gallery along the channel alignment.” This is clear admission by the 42
  • 43. respondents that this Ramar Paalam (Rama Setu also called Adam’s Bridge) is a pilgrimage place and it is refreshing candour on the part of the respondents to concede that pilgrims do “offer obeisance.” We submit that this statement of the respondent confirms the petitioner’s claim that this should be deemed to be an ancient monument, a sacred pilgrimage tirthasthaanam. In fact, this statement in Paragraph 17 (i) runs counter to the statement in Paragraph 13 (i) of the respondents’ counter: “It is further denied that the said bridge is a cultural heritage or ancient monument or archaeological site and remains.” We submit overwhelming epigraphical, numismatic, cartographic, textual and scientific evidence to counter this statement and false claim by the respondents. It is clear from the respondents’ statements that no investigation has been done of the Rama Setu structure to determine if it is deserving of protection as an ancient monument or an archaeological site under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958. There is considerable scientific evidence accumulated that the Rama Setu is man-made. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enjoins protection of the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, it is respectfully submitted that the Archaeological Survey of India is required to determine under the Ancient Monuments Act, 1958 as to whether or not the Rama Setu is man-made. If it is man-made, its origins stretch back into antiquity, and certainly more than the 100 years required under the said Act. If so, it would be fit and proper for this Hon’ble Court to stop the project before it destroys the Rama Setu and to direct the Archaeological Survey of India to have the Rama Setu declared as an ancient monument or an archeological survey as the case may be and to ensure that it gets all the protection that such a monument requires. The Gulf of Mannar falls in the Indo-Pacific region, considered to be one of world's richest marine biological resources. The Gulf has been chosen as a biosphere reserve primarily because of its biological and ecological uniqueness. The region has a distinctive socio-economic and cultural profile shaped by its geography. It has an ancient maritime history and was famous for the production of pearls. Pearls were an important item of our trade with the Roman Empire as early as the first century A.D., while Rameswaram, with its links in legend to the Ramayana, has been an important pilgrim centre. The region has been and continues to be famous for 43
  • 44. its production of chank (Indian conch) although irrational chank fishing has severely depleted stocks. The Gulf of Mannar has 3,600 species of plants and animals that makes it India's biologically richest coastal region. It is, of course, specially known for its corals, of which there are 117 species belonging to 37 genera. It is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, between South Eastern India and Western Sri Lanka. The Gulf of Mannar is 130 km to 275 km wide and 160 km long. During high tide, the seawater would raise to more than 1.2 meters above the sea level. Full of beach ridges, the Gulf of Mannar can be grouped into: (I) Beach ridges south of Vaigai River; (II) Beach ridges between Kotangudi River and Palar River; (III) Beach ridges between Palar River and Gundar River system; (IV) Beach ridges between Gundar River and Vaippar River; and (v) Beach ridges south of Vaippar River. In addition, the biosphere reserve in the area has 17 different mangrove species. The total water logged land has been calculated to be 5.96 sq. km. Eight series of Strand Lines can also be observed, apart from the Sea Cliff and Caves. The Palk Strait is an inlet of Bay of Bengal which is 64 kms to 137 kms wide and 137 kms long. Several Indian rivers including Vaigai flows into the Palk Strait and it also contains many islands which belong to Sri Lanka. Threat of Tsunami if the project is implemented. As stated above, if the Project is implemented and a channel 15) with a depth of 12m is created, then it will act as another route for a Tsunami wave to travel and will be directed towards Southern Kerala. It is important to note that neither the EIA Report declared in May-August, 2004 by NEERI nor the DPR by L&T Ramboll in February 2005 have taken into 44
  • 45. account the effect/ likelihood of a Tsunami such as the one on December 26, 2004. Various world-renowned Tsunami experts have warned that 16) the project could have dangerous consequences if it is implemented. Prof Tad. S. Murthy, an advisor to the Government of Canada on Tsunamis, in an interview has stated as follows: “……I feel that the Bay of Bengal entrance of the present orientation of the channel will undoubtedly funnel tsunami energy into the channel and this will meet the tsunami traveling from south of Sri Lanka at the southern part of Kerala and through constructive interference will augment the tsunami wave amplitudes. The southern part of Kerala was not much impacted by the 26th December 2004 tsunami mainly because the tsunami that arrived from the Indian Ocean has to diffract around Sri Lanka, which necessarily has to take a very wide turn (because tsunamis are long gravity waves and cannot bend as easily as short waves, just like a big car versus a mini. A mini cut corners, but a big car has to take very wide turns.) and missed south Kerala……” “…It is very easy to show that the SSCP channel with a depth of 12m will indeed provide another route for the tsunami and the energy will be directed towards south Kerala.” A copy of the interview given by Prof. Tad S. Murthy is provided in Pages 216 to 220 of Rama Setu book annexed herewith. 45
  • 46. Another expert, C. P. Rajendran from Centre for Earth Science Studies, Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram has written an article in CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 89, No. 2, 25 JULY 2005 in which he has stated as follows: “The question of cyclonic disturbances in changing the sedimentary budget of the region has not been properly addressed by the EIA studies, and consequently skews the predicted estimates of the sedimentation pattern and its rate. This means that total amount of material to be dredged could be much more than what had been predicted. Another question is how would the cyclones rework the dredged material to be dumped at various sites, although fortified with embankments (e.g. Dhanushkodi). A copy of C.P. Rajendran’s article is annexed herewith. (Annex 12) Annex 1: NASA’s considered views and ISRO Resource Satetllite information Annex 2: Copper plate inscription of Parantaka Chola refers to ‘Setu’ Annex 3: Evidence of Ramayyan Ammanai an ancient manuscript printed under Madras Oriental Series, references to Rama’s Bridge, Setu Annex 4. Cartographic evidence for Nalan, Ramarcoil Annex 5. Numismatic evidence for Setu: Pre-modern coinage of Srilanka (Ceylon) Annex 6: Evidence for concerns expressed during the British Rule for the archaeological importance of Rama Setu and recommending archaeological investigations Annex 7: Textual evidences for Rama’s bridge or Setubandha Annex 8: Evidence for objections raised against the Project alignment as early as September 2005 46
  • 47. Annex 9: Possibility of restoring the land-link between Bharatam and Srilanka restoring the Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu Annex 10: Setu Channel passage: 34 Lankan experts call it eco disaster Annex 11: Historic Waters Agreement between India and Sri Lanka Annex 12: Sethusamudram shipping canal project and the eternal silence of the Indian earth scientists (CP Rajendran) Annex 13: Reports on the Press meet held by Min. of Science and Technology on June 2, 2007 in New Delhi offering samples for testing 47