‘Ram Sethu will not be touched, and alternatives will be explored to the earlier proposed Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project,’ the Central Government informed the Supreme Court, earlier today.

In a fresh affidavit filed in the Apex court, the Ministry of Shipping has informed the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the government is mulling options to the earlier alignment of Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project.

Read the copy of Centre's affidavit in Supreme Court:

The affidavit read, “That the Government of India intends to explore an alternative to the earlier Alignment of Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project without affecting/touching the Adam’s Bridge/Ram Sethu in the interest of the nation. The Hon’ble Court may dispose of the petitions accordingly.”

The affidavit filed in the Supreme Court also mentioned that considering the socio-economic disadvantages of the previous alignment, the government does not want to implement it.

Appearing for the Central government, Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, said that the Centre has filed the response in pursuance of the earlier directions and the PILs filed can be disposed off.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Subramanian Swamy, had filed a petition against the Ram Sethu Channel project earlier. In his PIL, Swamy had sought directions from the Supreme Court that the Ram Sethu should not be touched.

Read Subramanian Swamy's tweet in context of Ram Sethu:

The ecstatic BJP leader took to Twitter to express his happiness over the decision. Swamy, also mentioned that he will soon be moving to the Apex court to direct the Central government to declare the Ram Sethu as a National Heritage monument.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 16, 2018 01:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).