Thousands of supporters of Hindu religious groups participated in a massive rally here today to protest against the controversial Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.
New Delhi, Dec 30 : Thousands of supporters of Hindu religious groups participated in a massive rally here today to protest against the controversial Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.
The protest was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to protect the mythological bridge 'Ramsetu'. The Hindu groups believe that the project that aims to carve a shipping channel in seas off the south coast would destroy the mythological bridge built by Lord Ram.
Over 50,000 supporters from across the country reached the protest site on the outskirts of New Delhi. They held banners that read "Save Ramsetu".
VHP General Secretary Praveen Togadia said that the organisation would not let "the sacred bridge" to be broken.
RSS 'Sarsanghachalak' K S Sudarshan cautioned the Central government against going ahead with the project.
"Ram Sethu signifies India's cultural heritage. We will not allow the government to go ahead with the project." Sudarshan said.
Bharatiya Janata Party President Rajnath Singh and party General Secretary Arun Jaitley were also present at the rally.
The 560-million dollar project, approved by the government in 2005, plans to dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.
However, according to the Central Government, research has shown that the "Ramsetu" was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation and therefore no religious sentiments should be attached to it.
When the project is finished, ships sailing between India's western and eastern coasts will not have to go around the south of Sri Lanka, and is expected to save up to 36 hours of sailing time.
ANI