As for this portion of post 11:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The planning must have reached a critical stage BETWEEN 1998 and 2004 for it to have got to the present cash-distribution stage. In other words, THIS WAS FINE AS PLANNED WHEN THE BJP WAS IN POWER, but it became a "Hindu-dissing, irresponsible, corrupt, scientifically unsound" project now.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Looks like you have not read the project history carefully. Here is from the Projects own website:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In February, 1997, the Ministry of Surface Transport made Tuticorin Port Trust as Nodal Agency for the Project, and subsequently the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur was appointed by Ministry of Surface Transport in July 1997 to prepare the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of the Project  The IEE study report indicated that the Project is environmentally safe with negligible effect on the eco system and the Marine National Park of the Gulf of Mannar. The report also recommended a particular alignment of the canal cutting the Pamban Island, east of Kothandaramasamy temple, which will cause least damage to the biota and the environment .Â
As per instructions of the Ministry in February, 2002, NEERI was entrusted to conduct the following studies:-Â Â
(i)Â Â Techno-economic viability, and
(ii)  Environmental Impact Assessment. Â
Tuticorin Port Trust later engaged M/s. L & T-Ramboll Consulting Engineers, Chennai in 2004 for preparation of a Detailed Project Report, which has clearly established the financial viability of the Project and has also prescribed a stringent Environmental Management Plan for preserving and conserving the rich bio-diversity in the project region.
History of Sethusamudram Channel?
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So even to a no-expert, it is obvious that engagement of NEERI was the only progress made during NDA's rule at the center. The scope of NEERI's engagement too, seems to be in RE-evaluating the IEE's recommendations. All the project progress has been made quickly after 2004.
Also, even see the inaugural speech of "PMji" (the site has this as file name PMji.html!):
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->http://sethusamudram.gov.in/PMji.htm
COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS ON SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CHANNEL PROJECT MADURAI, 2ND JULY, 2005
PRIME MINISTERâS ADDRESS
Respected Thiru. Karunanidhi, Respected Soniaji, My Colleagues, Ladies & Gentlemen. <span style='color:blue'>[What is Respected Soniaji's locus standi in the project? Why is she attending (in fact addressing) the inauguration? Is she a minister? Chief Minister? Expert? or what is she?]</span>
      It gives me immense pleasure to be here to launch the commencement of work on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project. This is the <span style='color:red'>fullfillment of a sacred assurance</span> we gave the people of our country, especially the people of Tamil Nadu, through the National Common Minimum Programme. <b>[so it is UPA's common Minimum Program. Dont give any hand in it to BJP. ALso it is this guy's SACRED obligation. Cann't even a blind man see the whole deal through?]</b>
      2.     The last time I visited Tamil Nadu it was to offer my sympathy and help in your hour of need when the Tsunami struck the coast. At that time I joined you in mourning the destruction that the sea and wrought upon us. Today I come to celebrate the bounty that the sea has brought to the people of this region for centuries. A Tsunami may occur once in a thousand years, but the waves from the seas reach us every minute of the day and night bringing trade, commence, wealth, opportunity, visitors and the livelihood of the coastal communities.
      3.     The Sethusamudram Project will increase the prospect for generating income and employment from the economy of the sea. It is a historic day for the country. An idea first conveived in 1860, almost one and half centuries ago, is now being implemented. I congratulate our respected leaders <span style='color:red'>Thiru. Karunanidhi and Thirumathi Sonia Gandhi, the Shipping Minister, Thiru. T.R. Baalu, the engineers and the officials associated with this project for their role in realizing this dream.</span> [Yes these are the people behind it. Don't drag BJP in it]
I greet the people of Tamil Nadu on this momentous occasion.  The Sethusamudram Project is one of the most ambitious dredging projects to be ever conceived in the Indian Port Sector. However, given the environmentally sensitive nature of the marine biosphere reserve in this region. I urge the project authorities to be mindful and respectful of nature and the maritime environment of the channel. Man has no right to destroy our natural heritage. Nor can we be unmindful of posterity. Posterity is, after all our own children and grand children.
4.     I am sure that the completion of this project would lead to all round development of the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and the Coromandel Coast. It will rejuvenate the ports and harbours, reduce the cost of maritime transportation, promote the movement of cargo along the coast. The coastal communities of peninsular India â from Gujarat to Konkan to Malabar to the Coromandel and Bengal coasts â have sailed forth for centuries as traders and workers.
5.     India, with its long coastline and the central location in the Indian Ocean has had its place amongs the most formidable maritime nations in the past. Indian Merchants from the ancient port towns all along the peninsula have sailed to distant lands. Indian boats and ships have sailed to Java, Samatra and Viet Nam; to Persia and Africa ; and to the many islands of the Indian Ocean. They have traded in spices, silk and other exotic commodities. The Indian Port cities were known to be bustling centers of maritime trade and commerce in the ancient and medieval period. A domestic shipping industry thrived under this stimulus.
6.     All great nations and economics of the world have had a vibrant and prosperous maritime economy. Ship building, ports, global trade, Each of these elements generates incomes, employment, new opportunities and new challenges. Maritime trade is a complex matrix of various players â shipping lines, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, inland transporters, all catering to transportation of goods through sea-transport. In this matrix, Ports are the pivot as central node for modal exchange of cargo as well as hub of the port community. In more recent decades our maritime economy has not developed as much as it should have. Our Government is paying special attention to the development of our ports and to maritime trade. I am happy to say that the introduction of tonnage tax by our Government has helped to provide a level playing field to Indian shipping companies visa-vis foreign flagged vessels. This has resulted in about 15% increase in the gross tonnage of our shipping.
7.     Indian ports should assume a more proactive role as facilitator of trade along with a range of value added services. In the 10th Five Year Plan we have set new and higher targets for enhancement of port capacity. We want to encourage new investment in port development through a partnership between the public and private sectors. I am delighted to learn that Indian Ports have been able to attract the worldâs leading Port and Terminal operators as private sector partners. We welcome both public and private investment, both domestic and foreign investment, in this sector. Through the Public-Private Partnership route we would also like to encourage Indian Entrepreneursâ participation in the terminal operations through suitable policy support.
8.     Today India once again reconnects with the world around us. We are again reviving our economic and cultural links with our wider Asian neighbours â from the Far East to Central Asia. In this new adventure of enterprise and creativity, the Sethusamudram Project is an important link.    I hope it will encourage a revival of this great and glorious maritime tradition.
9.     Tamilnadu and the people of this region have been an integral part of this great maritime history of our country. Tamil literature abounds with references to trade with Rome and Greece among other countries. The great Tamil Kings Cheras, Cholas and Pandayas carefully nurtured the port cities of Korkai, Musiri, Thondi, Poompuhar, Vanchi etc. The great expeditions taken from these port cities have spread Indian culture far and wide. They have taken the Tamil language, an ancient and classical language along with Sanskrit, to distant lands. Our Government is proud of the fact that we have restored to Tamil its ancient glory by recognizing it as a Classical Language of great antiquity on par with Sanskrit. We are committed to the full development of this great language of a great people. I salute my brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu.Â
10.    I have repeatedly said that our country needs world class infrastructure. We need the best, and cannot be satisfied with the second best.  Our roads, our telecom and power supply systems, our railways and ports, our schools and hospitals. The people of India deserve the best. They have waited far too long for this. We have set for ourselves a growth target of 7% to 8% over the next decade, compared to about 6$ we have achieved over the past decade. The key to this growth acceleration is greater investment. Infrastructure development not only provides enabling environment fro growth of trade and industry but by itself fuels the growth. The march to such an economic strength would definitely require a state of the art maritime infrastructure, which is efficient, professionally managed to sub-serve the economic interests of the nation. I see Seethusamudram Project as a step forward in strengthening the maritime infrastructure.
11.    Friends, Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of our National Development. Your state is one of the most industrially developed states. To give further boost to the industrialization of Tamil Nadu our Government has taken several steps to boost the textiles, leather, sugar and automobiles industries. I am happy to announce that we have decided to help in creating a world class automobile testing facility in Chennai.  This will be a major project that will attract huge investment both directly and indirectly. It will give a boost to Tamil Naduâs already developed automotive sector. Your name in the world auto industry is being written in gold not just by companies like TVS and Hyundai, but also by drivers like Narain Karthikeyan!.
     Friends, the sea provides livelihood to multitude of fishermen and their families. I urge the project authorities to be sensitive towards their needs and concerns while implementing the project. The community development work should be undertaken along with the development of fishing harbours for the benefit of the local community.
12.    I hope this project will also benefit our neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Their prosperity is our prosperity. Their welfare is our welfare. This has been the way we in India have lived with our neighbours, since the beginning of our civilization. This channel must be a bridge not a divide.  I have great pleasure in inaugurating the project works of the Sethusamudram Navigation Channel. I greet the people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and this entire region. May the sea bring prosperity to all.
[Moron made it a point not to mention Sri Ram's connection in the whole region]
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So PLEASE keep all the credit of the great project for the Congressi Communist Dravidist and Christists.
But there is more. SONIA-JI's address. Again whats her position by the way, that she will address a government inauguration affair??? ANyways here are the pearls:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->http://sethusamudram.gov.in/sji.htm
INAUGURATION OF THE SETHUSAMUDRAM PROJECT
Saturday, 2nd July 2005 (Madurai, Tamil Nadu)
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, Thiru. Karunanidhi Ji, Governor SS Barnalaji, Thiru. T.R. Baalu, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
<span style='color:red'>Today, we realize a 150 year old dream.</span>
[There she goes. WE is she and her colonial forefathers. Who else had had this dream?]
The Sethusamudram project has been talked about all these years, but <span style='color:red'>little was done to make it a working reality. A Government at the centre, a Government in which the DMK, the PMK and the MDMK are allies and partners, has moved ahead decisively to bring to realization this technologically challenging and economically vital project. </span> It is a project that will benefit lakhs of people through the creation of new jobs. It will stimulate trade and navigation, and encourage tourism and other economic activity.
[See this? She is right! LITTLE was ever done, until she became the empress. I agree she is right. All credit to Congressi-Dravidists-Christists. Matter settles here in her own words. These people are behind it. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>So why is "QUICKLY" a factor? What is the source of immediacy?]</span>
The ambitious project has important national, regional and strategic implications as it provides a continuous navigable sea lane running within our territorial waters. Tamil Nadu, particularly its southern districts, stands to gain significantly. Its coastal economy and its maritime trade will be boosted.
I am aware that environmentalists have raised some issues. Fears have been expressed about the impact on coral reefs, for example. I am confident that the project authorities are alive and sensitive to these concerns and will implement the project in manner that protects and preserves the local ecology.
[Yes madam. Coral Reef is the point. Not Ramar bridge. Ecology. Not the heritage. But isn't that what you want to quickly destroy while the time lasts?]
The fishermen communities also will need to be paid particular attention. These communities, as the recent tsunami tragedy starkly reminded us, are amongst the most vulnerable sections of our society. They need our care and concern, and we must make sure that their interests are protected, and that their welfare is central to our endeavours.
When the tsunami struck the southern coast, we shared in your sarrow and worked hard to ensure that the lakhs of families affected by the unprecedented calamity were provided adequate relief as quickly as possible. Our country had not seen a natural disaster of this magnitude and the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction is a continuing one. We are committed to implementing these plans.
Todayâs youth is very keen on it. We have ensured that software is now available in Tamil so that young boys and girls from all over the state can acquire computer skills and literacy.
Our Government has already give Tamil the status of a classical language. ['Our' - Queen Victoria addressing her subjects? ANd what is meant by 'status of a classical language' you moron?]
It is our government that has taken Tamil Naduâs highly successful mid-day meal programme in schools first launched by the great leader, K.Kamaraj in the late 1950âs and ensured its implementation in other states of the country.
I could enumerate other programmes and projects that the UPA has introduced in Tamil Nadu but this is not the occasion to do so. What I do want to convey is the special position that Tamil Nadu occupies in the UPA. Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi himself is one of the main architects of the UPA and he has helped guide our coalition over the past year.
Once again, let me say how happy I am that the Sethusamudram project is being launched today. I congratulate and thank Thiru. T.R. Baalu and all those associated with this historic project. It is truly a day of satisfaction, a historic moment for Tamil Nadu and for the country.
[Happy indeed you are madam. You did what tyrants before you could not do.]
Thank you.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
And also see the language the project site uses.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In 1862, a Parliamentary Committee of <b>Her Majestyâs </b>Government was appointed...
In 1863, His Excellency Sir William Dennison, R.E., Acting Governor of Madras, visited Pamban...
http://sethusamudram.gov.in/History.asp
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Throughout, they talk about 'ADAM's Bridge' and not once call it Ramar Bridge which is how it has been known to people. No doubt remains in which mindset these morons have. They still live in the colonial slavery - have just moved on from one "her majesty's government" to the other "her majesty's government".
And the irony of all that beats me is this. The Chairman/CEO of Sethusamudram CL is Shri N.K. <span style='color:red'>Raghupathy</span>. They found a person with perfect name to damage the Ramar bridge!
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The planning must have reached a critical stage BETWEEN 1998 and 2004 for it to have got to the present cash-distribution stage. In other words, THIS WAS FINE AS PLANNED WHEN THE BJP WAS IN POWER, but it became a "Hindu-dissing, irresponsible, corrupt, scientifically unsound" project now.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Looks like you have not read the project history carefully. Here is from the Projects own website:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In February, 1997, the Ministry of Surface Transport made Tuticorin Port Trust as Nodal Agency for the Project, and subsequently the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur was appointed by Ministry of Surface Transport in July 1997 to prepare the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of the Project  The IEE study report indicated that the Project is environmentally safe with negligible effect on the eco system and the Marine National Park of the Gulf of Mannar. The report also recommended a particular alignment of the canal cutting the Pamban Island, east of Kothandaramasamy temple, which will cause least damage to the biota and the environment .Â
As per instructions of the Ministry in February, 2002, NEERI was entrusted to conduct the following studies:-Â Â
(i)Â Â Techno-economic viability, and
(ii)  Environmental Impact Assessment. Â
Tuticorin Port Trust later engaged M/s. L & T-Ramboll Consulting Engineers, Chennai in 2004 for preparation of a Detailed Project Report, which has clearly established the financial viability of the Project and has also prescribed a stringent Environmental Management Plan for preserving and conserving the rich bio-diversity in the project region.
History of Sethusamudram Channel?
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So even to a no-expert, it is obvious that engagement of NEERI was the only progress made during NDA's rule at the center. The scope of NEERI's engagement too, seems to be in RE-evaluating the IEE's recommendations. All the project progress has been made quickly after 2004.
Also, even see the inaugural speech of "PMji" (the site has this as file name PMji.html!):
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->http://sethusamudram.gov.in/PMji.htm
COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS ON SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CHANNEL PROJECT MADURAI, 2ND JULY, 2005
PRIME MINISTERâS ADDRESS
Respected Thiru. Karunanidhi, Respected Soniaji, My Colleagues, Ladies & Gentlemen. <span style='color:blue'>[What is Respected Soniaji's locus standi in the project? Why is she attending (in fact addressing) the inauguration? Is she a minister? Chief Minister? Expert? or what is she?]</span>
      It gives me immense pleasure to be here to launch the commencement of work on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project. This is the <span style='color:red'>fullfillment of a sacred assurance</span> we gave the people of our country, especially the people of Tamil Nadu, through the National Common Minimum Programme. <b>[so it is UPA's common Minimum Program. Dont give any hand in it to BJP. ALso it is this guy's SACRED obligation. Cann't even a blind man see the whole deal through?]</b>
      2.     The last time I visited Tamil Nadu it was to offer my sympathy and help in your hour of need when the Tsunami struck the coast. At that time I joined you in mourning the destruction that the sea and wrought upon us. Today I come to celebrate the bounty that the sea has brought to the people of this region for centuries. A Tsunami may occur once in a thousand years, but the waves from the seas reach us every minute of the day and night bringing trade, commence, wealth, opportunity, visitors and the livelihood of the coastal communities.
      3.     The Sethusamudram Project will increase the prospect for generating income and employment from the economy of the sea. It is a historic day for the country. An idea first conveived in 1860, almost one and half centuries ago, is now being implemented. I congratulate our respected leaders <span style='color:red'>Thiru. Karunanidhi and Thirumathi Sonia Gandhi, the Shipping Minister, Thiru. T.R. Baalu, the engineers and the officials associated with this project for their role in realizing this dream.</span> [Yes these are the people behind it. Don't drag BJP in it]
I greet the people of Tamil Nadu on this momentous occasion.  The Sethusamudram Project is one of the most ambitious dredging projects to be ever conceived in the Indian Port Sector. However, given the environmentally sensitive nature of the marine biosphere reserve in this region. I urge the project authorities to be mindful and respectful of nature and the maritime environment of the channel. Man has no right to destroy our natural heritage. Nor can we be unmindful of posterity. Posterity is, after all our own children and grand children.
4.     I am sure that the completion of this project would lead to all round development of the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and the Coromandel Coast. It will rejuvenate the ports and harbours, reduce the cost of maritime transportation, promote the movement of cargo along the coast. The coastal communities of peninsular India â from Gujarat to Konkan to Malabar to the Coromandel and Bengal coasts â have sailed forth for centuries as traders and workers.
5.     India, with its long coastline and the central location in the Indian Ocean has had its place amongs the most formidable maritime nations in the past. Indian Merchants from the ancient port towns all along the peninsula have sailed to distant lands. Indian boats and ships have sailed to Java, Samatra and Viet Nam; to Persia and Africa ; and to the many islands of the Indian Ocean. They have traded in spices, silk and other exotic commodities. The Indian Port cities were known to be bustling centers of maritime trade and commerce in the ancient and medieval period. A domestic shipping industry thrived under this stimulus.
6.     All great nations and economics of the world have had a vibrant and prosperous maritime economy. Ship building, ports, global trade, Each of these elements generates incomes, employment, new opportunities and new challenges. Maritime trade is a complex matrix of various players â shipping lines, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, inland transporters, all catering to transportation of goods through sea-transport. In this matrix, Ports are the pivot as central node for modal exchange of cargo as well as hub of the port community. In more recent decades our maritime economy has not developed as much as it should have. Our Government is paying special attention to the development of our ports and to maritime trade. I am happy to say that the introduction of tonnage tax by our Government has helped to provide a level playing field to Indian shipping companies visa-vis foreign flagged vessels. This has resulted in about 15% increase in the gross tonnage of our shipping.
7.     Indian ports should assume a more proactive role as facilitator of trade along with a range of value added services. In the 10th Five Year Plan we have set new and higher targets for enhancement of port capacity. We want to encourage new investment in port development through a partnership between the public and private sectors. I am delighted to learn that Indian Ports have been able to attract the worldâs leading Port and Terminal operators as private sector partners. We welcome both public and private investment, both domestic and foreign investment, in this sector. Through the Public-Private Partnership route we would also like to encourage Indian Entrepreneursâ participation in the terminal operations through suitable policy support.
8.     Today India once again reconnects with the world around us. We are again reviving our economic and cultural links with our wider Asian neighbours â from the Far East to Central Asia. In this new adventure of enterprise and creativity, the Sethusamudram Project is an important link.    I hope it will encourage a revival of this great and glorious maritime tradition.
9.     Tamilnadu and the people of this region have been an integral part of this great maritime history of our country. Tamil literature abounds with references to trade with Rome and Greece among other countries. The great Tamil Kings Cheras, Cholas and Pandayas carefully nurtured the port cities of Korkai, Musiri, Thondi, Poompuhar, Vanchi etc. The great expeditions taken from these port cities have spread Indian culture far and wide. They have taken the Tamil language, an ancient and classical language along with Sanskrit, to distant lands. Our Government is proud of the fact that we have restored to Tamil its ancient glory by recognizing it as a Classical Language of great antiquity on par with Sanskrit. We are committed to the full development of this great language of a great people. I salute my brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu.Â
10.    I have repeatedly said that our country needs world class infrastructure. We need the best, and cannot be satisfied with the second best.  Our roads, our telecom and power supply systems, our railways and ports, our schools and hospitals. The people of India deserve the best. They have waited far too long for this. We have set for ourselves a growth target of 7% to 8% over the next decade, compared to about 6$ we have achieved over the past decade. The key to this growth acceleration is greater investment. Infrastructure development not only provides enabling environment fro growth of trade and industry but by itself fuels the growth. The march to such an economic strength would definitely require a state of the art maritime infrastructure, which is efficient, professionally managed to sub-serve the economic interests of the nation. I see Seethusamudram Project as a step forward in strengthening the maritime infrastructure.
11.    Friends, Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of our National Development. Your state is one of the most industrially developed states. To give further boost to the industrialization of Tamil Nadu our Government has taken several steps to boost the textiles, leather, sugar and automobiles industries. I am happy to announce that we have decided to help in creating a world class automobile testing facility in Chennai.  This will be a major project that will attract huge investment both directly and indirectly. It will give a boost to Tamil Naduâs already developed automotive sector. Your name in the world auto industry is being written in gold not just by companies like TVS and Hyundai, but also by drivers like Narain Karthikeyan!.
     Friends, the sea provides livelihood to multitude of fishermen and their families. I urge the project authorities to be sensitive towards their needs and concerns while implementing the project. The community development work should be undertaken along with the development of fishing harbours for the benefit of the local community.
12.    I hope this project will also benefit our neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Their prosperity is our prosperity. Their welfare is our welfare. This has been the way we in India have lived with our neighbours, since the beginning of our civilization. This channel must be a bridge not a divide.  I have great pleasure in inaugurating the project works of the Sethusamudram Navigation Channel. I greet the people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and this entire region. May the sea bring prosperity to all.
[Moron made it a point not to mention Sri Ram's connection in the whole region]
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
So PLEASE keep all the credit of the great project for the Congressi Communist Dravidist and Christists.
But there is more. SONIA-JI's address. Again whats her position by the way, that she will address a government inauguration affair??? ANyways here are the pearls:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->http://sethusamudram.gov.in/sji.htm
INAUGURATION OF THE SETHUSAMUDRAM PROJECT
Saturday, 2nd July 2005 (Madurai, Tamil Nadu)
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, Thiru. Karunanidhi Ji, Governor SS Barnalaji, Thiru. T.R. Baalu, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
<span style='color:red'>Today, we realize a 150 year old dream.</span>
[There she goes. WE is she and her colonial forefathers. Who else had had this dream?]
The Sethusamudram project has been talked about all these years, but <span style='color:red'>little was done to make it a working reality. A Government at the centre, a Government in which the DMK, the PMK and the MDMK are allies and partners, has moved ahead decisively to bring to realization this technologically challenging and economically vital project. </span> It is a project that will benefit lakhs of people through the creation of new jobs. It will stimulate trade and navigation, and encourage tourism and other economic activity.
[See this? She is right! LITTLE was ever done, until she became the empress. I agree she is right. All credit to Congressi-Dravidists-Christists. Matter settles here in her own words. These people are behind it. <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>So why is "QUICKLY" a factor? What is the source of immediacy?]</span>
The ambitious project has important national, regional and strategic implications as it provides a continuous navigable sea lane running within our territorial waters. Tamil Nadu, particularly its southern districts, stands to gain significantly. Its coastal economy and its maritime trade will be boosted.
I am aware that environmentalists have raised some issues. Fears have been expressed about the impact on coral reefs, for example. I am confident that the project authorities are alive and sensitive to these concerns and will implement the project in manner that protects and preserves the local ecology.
[Yes madam. Coral Reef is the point. Not Ramar bridge. Ecology. Not the heritage. But isn't that what you want to quickly destroy while the time lasts?]
The fishermen communities also will need to be paid particular attention. These communities, as the recent tsunami tragedy starkly reminded us, are amongst the most vulnerable sections of our society. They need our care and concern, and we must make sure that their interests are protected, and that their welfare is central to our endeavours.
When the tsunami struck the southern coast, we shared in your sarrow and worked hard to ensure that the lakhs of families affected by the unprecedented calamity were provided adequate relief as quickly as possible. Our country had not seen a natural disaster of this magnitude and the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction is a continuing one. We are committed to implementing these plans.
Todayâs youth is very keen on it. We have ensured that software is now available in Tamil so that young boys and girls from all over the state can acquire computer skills and literacy.
Our Government has already give Tamil the status of a classical language. ['Our' - Queen Victoria addressing her subjects? ANd what is meant by 'status of a classical language' you moron?]
It is our government that has taken Tamil Naduâs highly successful mid-day meal programme in schools first launched by the great leader, K.Kamaraj in the late 1950âs and ensured its implementation in other states of the country.
I could enumerate other programmes and projects that the UPA has introduced in Tamil Nadu but this is not the occasion to do so. What I do want to convey is the special position that Tamil Nadu occupies in the UPA. Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi himself is one of the main architects of the UPA and he has helped guide our coalition over the past year.
Once again, let me say how happy I am that the Sethusamudram project is being launched today. I congratulate and thank Thiru. T.R. Baalu and all those associated with this historic project. It is truly a day of satisfaction, a historic moment for Tamil Nadu and for the country.
[Happy indeed you are madam. You did what tyrants before you could not do.]
Thank you.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
And also see the language the project site uses.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In 1862, a Parliamentary Committee of <b>Her Majestyâs </b>Government was appointed...
In 1863, His Excellency Sir William Dennison, R.E., Acting Governor of Madras, visited Pamban...
http://sethusamudram.gov.in/History.asp
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Throughout, they talk about 'ADAM's Bridge' and not once call it Ramar Bridge which is how it has been known to people. No doubt remains in which mindset these morons have. They still live in the colonial slavery - have just moved on from one "her majesty's government" to the other "her majesty's government".
And the irony of all that beats me is this. The Chairman/CEO of Sethusamudram CL is Shri N.K. <span style='color:red'>Raghupathy</span>. They found a person with perfect name to damage the Ramar bridge!