Danger to Ram Setu

 
Pictures taken by NASA [National Aeronautics & Space Administration], USA from space show the remains of what appears to be an ages old man-made bridge between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. According to Hindu scriptures and belief, Lord Ram and his vaanar sena had built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka about 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago. The discovery of Shriram Setu by NASA confirms that Hindu scriptures and belief are correct in this matter and that Ramayana is 'history' and not "mythology" as is often construed.
Setu (Sethu) Samudram [shipping canal project] is based on the notion that it is inevitable to break the Shriram Setu for easy navigation. This will amount to damaging a monument of both, historical and religious importanceto Hindus. Now it is duty of all Hindus to protest lawfully against this project and force the Government to save 'Shriram Setu' and declare it as a National Monument !
                                                           The Supreme Court directed the government to inform the court on giving national monument status to Shriram Setu (Sethu) by March 29 after hearing the petition filed by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy seeking the court's direction to declare Shriram Setu (Sethu) a National monument. The government, however, said that the decision on whether to give Ram Setu (Sethu) a national monument status could only be decided by the Cabinet Secretary.
        Now, the Supreme Court has granted more time till its next hearing on April 19 to the Center for deciding whether the mythological Ram Setu (Sethu) could be declared a National monument. When the government can give National monument status to few-centuries old Muslim mosques and structures immediately, then why does government need to 'decide' whether to give national monument status to 17-lakh year old Shriram Setu (Sethu) ?

Why Ram Setu (Sethu) should not be damaged

Ram Setu (Sethu) prevented the tsunami from advancing from Rameshwaram to Kerala.

Spiritual Significance

1. This is a divine bridge.
   
2. Lord Rama and his vaanar sena had built it 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago.
   
3. In Puranas, the importance of Setu (Sethu) is explained in great details, especially in Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana, and Brahma Purana.
   

Physical Significance

1. Ram Setu (Sethu) a natural barrier to Tsunami: During the last tsunami, the Ramar Bridge (at a high elevation) from the rest of the shoal accumulations acted as a natural barrier preventing the direct devastation of the entire Bharatam coastline south and southwest of Nagapattanam. - Dr. Murthy, Chief editor of the reputed International Tsunami Journal "Science of Tsunami Hazards"
   
2. Threat of Tsunami: Many geologists, earth scientists, and oceanographers have commented critically, against the disastrous consequences of constructing SSCP. Amongst these is the impending devastation of Kerala, which will suck in after implementation of SSCP, after next Tsunami hits it.
   Read details: Sethusamudram project and impending Tsunami devastation
   
3. Many Naval officials are saying that even after the completion of SSCP, the depth of the canal shall be only 12 meters (about 36 feet ), and only small and medium sized vessels shall be able to pass. Large sized vessels and carriers shall not be able to pass.
   

Social Significance

1. The construction of SSCP is trampling upon the feelings and emotions of millions and millions of Hindus.
   
2. Besides, this bridge is world's oldest man-made structure. It is much much older than the pyramids of Egypt, and the Great Wall of China.
   
3. Ram Setu has sentimental, religious and historic value.
   
4. People have crossed the sea using the Ram Setu (Sethu), for many thousand years, until the 15^th century.
   

Better alternative solutions are also available !

According to the specialists, a sea route may be prepared for navigation without damaging Ram Setu (Sethu), by removing the barren sand heaps near village Mandapam between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkoti railway. This will not only give a shorter route for navigation but also protect the oldest man-made heritage.