RAMA SETU:-Adam's Bridge, known in India as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu,
is a chain of limestone shoals, between the islands of Mannar, near
northwestern Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, off the southeastern coast of
India.The bridge is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates the Gulf of
Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the
sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 3
ft to 30 ft (1 m to 10 m) deep in places, which hinders navigation.The
name, Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu (Sanskrit; setu: bridge) for the shoal
of islands derives from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, in which a bridge
from Rameswaram was built by allies of Rama that he used to reach Lanka,
and rescue his abducted wife Sita from the asura king, Ravana. The sea
separating India and Sri Lanka is called Sethusamudram, based on the
same episode.
What is Setu Samudram Project?
Setu Samudram shipping canal project (SSCP) is a
project that has been approved by the Government of India and its work
has been started near Kodand Ram Temple. In this project, Palk Gulf and
Gulf Mennar will be linked by making a shipping canal through
Rameshwaram Island. This will allow ships and boats to navigate in the
passage between India and Sri Lanka without having to circle Sri Lanka
(as is being done currently). This may save about 400 nautical miles
voyage on the West Coast. This project will connect the National Sea
Route. This canal will shorten the length of the sea route for ships.
Rs. 21 crore per year for fuel expenditure of ships will be saved.
Danger to Ram Setu
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_smicUwvRzj0HQXPJZG4VLCmhDUgHpfG8D0wSZS9cZSNmAdCL4R_QMhPQ3Q_GZNBvlCaYmcTJGn6PjIY9LuL05u2h7VMRk6bdCyZgkJcypaW2mfebsCX1D464c6mWm85zjzxZ_Y2aTpIgpUlRKlJA8=s0-d) Ram
Setu Picture by NASAPictures 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 Shri Ram 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 Samudram [shipping canal
project] is based on the notion that it is inevitable to break the Shri
Ram Setu for easy navigation. This will amount to damaging a monument of
both, historical and religious importance to Hindus.
Why Ram Setu should not be damaged :
Ram Setu prevented the tsunami from advancing from Rameshwaram to Kerala.
Spiritual Significanc
-
This is a divine bridge.
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Lord Rama and his vaanar sena had built it 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago.
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In Puranas, the importance of Setu is explained in
great details, especially in Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana,
and Brahma Purana.
Physical Significance
-
Ram Setu 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"
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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.
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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
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The construction of SSCP is trampling upon the feelings and emotions of millions and millions of Hindus.
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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.
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Ram Setu has sentimental, religious and historic value.
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People have crossed the sea using the Rama-Setu, for many thousand years, until the 15th century.
Better alternative solutions are also available !
According to the specialists, a sea
route may be prepared for navigation without damaging Sri Ram Setu, 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
.
Other Noticeable Events
An attempt to offend Hindus
The drill, which is being used to demolish the
bridge, is named 'Jai Hanuman'! Thus, as declared by the hermitage, this
is a direct attempt to humiliate Hindus. Two such machines taken there
have broken down. The government should take a lesson or two from this,
says the hermitage.
The issue concerns us all, and should be
taken up as Indians, without getting entangled in party lines and
political games. The Ram Setu or Adam's Bridge belongs to all humanity,
being an important heritage site; hence the government should not allow
it to become another issue affecting Hindu sensitivities. Nobody is
opposing the Sethu Samudram Project, only a realignment of the route is
being asked, as the present one destroys the Ram Setu.
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