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.

Today, we realize a 150 year old dream.

The Sethusamudram project has been talked about all these years, but 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.  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.

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.

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.

Today’s 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.

It is our government that has taken Tamil Nadu’s highly successful mid-day meal programme in schools first launched by the great leader, K.Kamaraj in the late 1950’s 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.

Thank you.