New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) The government is likely to take the final decision Thursday on the affidavit to be filed in the Supreme Court on the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, Culture and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said Wednesday. “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) will take views of everyone (in the United Progressive Alliance) and harmonise them. Everybody had not read the affidavit and they were given more time. The final decision will be taken tomorrow,” Soni told reporters on the sidelines of an official function here.

The government has to inform the Supreme Court of its stand as several petitioners have approached the apex court against the project. Last year, the government was forced to withdraw its affidavit as it questioned the existence of Lord Ram.

The project in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka aims to shorten the sea route between the eastern and western coasts of India. Hindu groups and several parties have opposed the project, saying it will destroy or damage the Ramsethu or Adam’s Bridge, to which they attach religious significance.