Environmental organization, Poovulagin Nanbargal, has raised concerns that the Sethusamudram project will harm the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar.
In a statement the organization stated that the project will do more harm than good.
The project is set to be implemented in the Gulf of Mannar. Poovulagin Nanbargal highlights that "the Gulf of Mannar has been announced as [a] biosphere reserve and [has] 4,223 species [that] thrive in the sea." The group continued "there are endangered sea mammals like dugong and dolphins."
The statement also emphasized that of the 21 islands 2 were already submerged due to climate change that has damaged corals. The removal of coral reef would result in submersion of remaining islands.
According to the organization the project will not yield large economic advantages either. The statement outlines that "only vessels bellow 30,000 tones can use the canal. As speed should be reduced while traversing, it'd increase fuel cost."
Furthermore, Poovulagin Nanbargal points out that the livelihood of fishermen in 140 villages will be impacted by the project, "people will be made to move from self-sufficient economy to employees of private firms."
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