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September 14, 2007 By Amrit Pal  It all started on Wednesday when the Centre told the Supreme Court that there was no historical evidence to establish the existence of Lord Ram or the other characters in Ramayana.
Needless to say, it created a lot of ruckus in the country and everyone from political parties to common men took this issue very seriously. Before more damage could be done the Congress stalwarts swung into action, did a U-turn, started chanting Ram-Ram and agreed to withdraw the controversial affidavit - all this in a matter of two days.
Lets understand the background of this story to put things in perspective. In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had rejected the claim of the existence of the "Rama Setu bridge" in the area where the project was under construction. The multi-crore rupee project proposes to provide a shorter sea route from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka. If this happens, Rameshwaram would become one of the largest harbours in India at the end of this project.
The strategic advantages to India derive from obtaining a navigable sea route close to the coast, with a reduction in travel distance of more than 350 nautical miles (650 km) (for larger ships). The project is expected to provide a boost to the economic and industrial development of coastal Tamil Nadu. The project will be of particular significance to Tuticorin harbour, which has the potential to transform itself into a nodal port. The State Government has announced its proposal to develop 13 minor ports, including Ennore, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thondi, Valinokam, Kolachel and Kanyakumari.
However, according to the Ramayana and beliefs, Sri Rama and His Vaanar Sena built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka thousands of years ago. Some Hindu organizations and religious figures, including the Shankaracharya of Puri, have opposed the project, pointing out that it would destroy the "Ram Setu".
Others have opposed the project on environmental grounds, and fears of the effect it will have on the livelihood of some 20 million fisherfolk in the coastal districts.
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