Chennai : Tamilnadu Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports E  V Velu has putforth two new proposals–dredging of Pamban Channel and holistic development of Rameswaram Island–before the Centre and sought 100 per cent financial grant for the two projects.

In his address at the National Sagarmala Apex Committee Meeting at New Delhi last week, he said both the proposals are of National importance and innovative and requested the Union Government to consider and provide 100 per cent Financial Assistance (Grant) for implementing the above
projects. He said Pamban Channel connects East and West Coast of India by sea, has a depth of 2 metres only. Small vessels and fishing boats are using the Channel for transit purpose.

This is an important channel in the Southern Coast of India for sea borne trade from East Coast to West Coast which needs development by deepening the Channel. The Indian Railways is constructing a new Rail Bridge with a New Automatic Lift Span at the Centre. In the meantime, Tamilnadu Maritime Board has conducted Feasibility Study for dredging the existing Pamban Channel upto 10 metres. This channel is also very important for Indian Navy and Coast Guard for moving defence ships and will improve Coastal trade through Small and Medium ships transit.

This important ship channel will complete the Sagarmala Chain at the Southern part of India. So the dredging of Pamban Channel is very much essential, the Minister said.
On the Rameswaram Island, Velu said it was an important place and the State goverment intend to develop the coastal areas of the Island in line with the holistic development of Islands Scheme of the Union Government by way of providing passenger ferry service to pilgrims, tourists visiting the famous Sri
Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram. He said a new proposal with a Detailed Project Report will be forwarded for
construction of passenger Jetties around the Island. Stating that Tamilnadu was one of the fast developing states under the strong
and dynamic leadership of Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, who is the torch bearer of Dravidian model of administration, Velu said all developmental works taken up at Cuddalore and Kanyakumari Minor Ports with financial support from the Centre through Sagarmala Scheme are under progress.

The development works at Cuddalore Minor Port are nearing completion and the State Government is taking action to bring the Port into operation. It will create job opportunities and increase cargo handling capacity of Minor Port in Tamilnadu.