'Disastrous consequences for marine and coastal ecosystems'

Environmentalists, lawyers and specialists from both countries warned that the proposed canal could have disastrous consequences for marine and coastal ecosystems.

They said the plans to dig the canal off Palk Strait will destroy the marine life in India’s southern tip and Sri Lanka’s north-western coast including Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

But the Indian government is determined to go ahead with the project.

Sri Lanka's Foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has said the government is willing to solve the issue by further negotiations.

Have your say.

My problem with this project is that the Environmental Impact Assesment done by NEERI (Nagpur) took no account of the possible effects on Sri Lanka. It has failed to consider long term problems such as shifts in tidal flows and ocean temperature changes which affect the climate. India's failure to do so is worthy of international criticism and sanction. P.S. Roman Reddy: You're hilarious.
Deshal de Mel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

This project has extraordinary risks for people in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu - there are risks from accidents, oil spills, large scale oceanographic modification, coastal erosion, naval accidents, suicide attacks and missile attacks and a new risk of Tsunami in these coasts which were sheltered in December 2004.
Lareef, New York, USA

Roman Reddy: Your comment sounds really ignorant to anybody who has a sain sense of politics. Due to such ignorant attitudes only our SAARC region is seeing its distrust and distaste for each other. For the past 50 years SL has ruled independently and for the next 50 years it will rule on its own as well. Your word "Crooked Ways" not only show your arrogance but does much disrespect for your own country's stand in regards to respect the other nations.
Hashini Jayasinghe, USA

I'm really angry with this project. Because it harmful to our economy and biodversity of that particular area. I suggest to protest against this an would like to invite for the protest for every patriot in Sri Lanka.
Pansilu Perera, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

There is nothing wrong the sethusamthram projects. eg. between England and France, engineers drill through under the sea and built tunnel, also, Many tunnels and canals built in many part of the world. This is a good project for all nations. Tamil nadu and kankesan thurai harbours get benefit.
Mohan, Chennai, India

India is very much stronger and we need them in a number of ways, but thats not a reason to allow them to go ahead with such a potentially harmful project. They should have at least had the courtesy to allay all our fears in a satisfactory manner instead of making a few vague dismissive remarks with regards to the project. Their very ambiguity is cause for concern.
Ayeshea Perera, Colombo, Sri Lanka

I think this is a great opportunity for Sri Lankans. First, this will definitely benifit LTTE terrorist problem. Second, SL people will benifit from economical improvements. Third, will creat cultural, economical, political bonds between the counties.
Indika, North Hollywood

Sethusamudram project is an ecological disaster for Sri Lanka's coastal regions. Besides the damage to marine, fisheries and coastal erosion, Sri Lanka will be the dumping ground for all kinds of pollutants discharged by cargo ships plying this beautiful but narrow stretch of waters. India does not care about pollution to its own coastline as it will only affect a small part of it, but for Sri Lanka which is a much smaller country it will be a disaster.
Chris Bastian, Harrow, UK

I dont understand the augment of Mr Roman Reddy of South Africa who thinks that Sri Lanka will become a part of India. I think India got bagful of problems because of Nagaland today. I am sure Indians do not want to have an another separatist movement in their southern tip which has gone out of their control after creation.
Bandara, Oman

Yes, This project must be implimented and enviromental hazards should be minimised by carefully measuring. This is useful to eliminate all the terorist activities in the Indian ocean.Dream of the elam will be vanished.
Gayantha Wijesundara, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka

I'm working archaeological department in Sri Lanka now study in China.my interest is archaeology,this proposed sethusamudram project will give distroied our archaeological heritage in between Sea area of Sri Lanka and India.specially historical Adam's brige and also ancient port site of ancient Matota and sround remains it is not only impect Sri Lanka but also Indian archaeological heritage,there are many prehistoric and and historic sites which it was most important both Sri Lanka and India therefore both country archaeologist should pay with in action for save our archaeological heritage.
Priyantha Jayasinghe, Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka should agree with this project and try to get maximum benefit for Sri lanka's shipping trade & Tourism.
Prasanna Cooray, Katuneriya, Sri Lanka

In 50 years, Sri lanka will be part of India anyway, just like how nagaland etc became part of india, way after independence. SL will be forced to become a state through mutual agreement or through crooked ways. Then we all will be proud of our COMMON indian culture and the great Sethusamudram project.
Roman Reddy, Johannesburg, South Africa

both SL and india should discuss about it more more. and should consider not only economical benifits but also enviroment pollution.
Mohan Wijesinghe, Kandy, Sri Lanka

India will not stop or postpone the canal project because of its security concerns. It does play a major role in Indian Oceans security and doesnt want its navy ships travel over Sri Lanka from east to west and vice versa. Indian policy maker give higher priority to nations security than environment. Well, it will definitely affect Colombo port development and economical importance. Sri Lanka should try to get the maximum benefits from the canal project rather than complaining about it, such as developing ports from northern part of the country.
Jeya, Toronto, Canada

It should be stopped.
Daragh Connor, Dublin, Ireland

Why is India interested in rushing through this project without properly studying the environmental aspects of it? When the previous Sri Lankan govt proposed a land bridge between the countries they were quick to dismiss it without properly analyzing the economical benefits? Is there a hidden motive here?
Gane, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Everyday hundreds of ships pass south of Sri Lanka and go to Singapore without touching Sri Lanka or India. Our politicians spends years talking about Galle/Hambantota harbours without implementing any thing. If we cant do it, let Indians. When they build a modern harbour with the canal, partially we also will get the benefits.
Siriwardana, Perth, Australia

Dont play around with mother nature.
Nirendra, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

I think information given is not enough to make a decision.
Aruni Peiris, Colombo, Sri Lanka

in my opinion this project is not good idea in future it could create problems between two cuntries it coul allso increase the inflex of illegal immigrants into the country.
Senaka Fernando, London, England

Should go ahead and do it. Hell with ecosystem. First let fellows to live.
Senerath Godigamuwa, Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Increase in water flow in the straights is also likely to increase soil erosion along the coastal belt in both countries. For this reason alone, i consider this a bad idea.
Rajitha Wijayarathne, melbourne, Australia

I think it would only bring negative impacts to SL in every aspect and I feel the neighboring country should share the knowlege atleast minimal in an effort to establish the friendly lines the countries share. The after effects may appear 10 years down the road and SL should have a good understanding of the pros and the cons - it a right for SL to know as much as India acts on their rights to go ahead with the project.
Hashini Jayasinghe, Gaitherburg, USA

Yes this will create bon harmonie in between two countries and to be controled just like France and uk. also will create good opertunities as such jobs communications and economical developments.
Wickramarachchie, Paris, France

I think we will see parts of Jaffna peninsula just eroding out to the sea within our lifetime.
Rasika Suriyaarachchi, Sydney, Australia

This is the Indian government picking on the little guy who can not protect themselves from outside aggression. This also crosses over to the saturation of the Indian culture due to the deluge of immigrants into Sri Lanka. I feel this is just like the school bully taking lunch money from the smaller kid who is just minding their own business and just wanting to be left alone.
Tod Wuerdeman, Cincinnati, USA

The Sethusamudram canal project was initiated 50 years ago but because of the financial strain it was not started. Once the project is completed Colombo Harbour will loose it importance and 60% of the ships will be using the canal. the Sri Lankan Govt. must at least now start to develop the Kankesanthurai harbour.
Douglas Tisseverasinghe, Toronto, Canada

I have spent two days reading articles that are related to SSCP. Non of the article from the independent sources say the project is safe for the coastline of neither Sri Lanka nor India. In fact some of the articles described, it shall be disaster for Sri Lanka. All these articles are based on scientific calculation, research and modelling, they are not just words. Non of the article has mention any tangible benefits from this project to Sri Lanka but warned about the disaster that we may have to face not for now forever. This is not like signing P-TOM, this about the safety and the economic prospects of whole country. I want to see a referendum on this.
Shan Mylvaganam, London, England

India must agree with Eelam (LTTE) before implementing Sethusamudram canal project since it is going to have an impact on Eelam coastal areas.
Mohan

What has only plusses in thjis world? Are there any such? These extremists are the killers of the development in Sri Lanka. Why not they talk about the advantages of the project. They can see only the minuses b'cos they are biased.
Mudalige, Colombo, Sri Lanka