All readers, please consider these points too... 1. The US wants to get this area declared as international waters "instead" of current historic status. 2. Thorium deposits are involved. 3. Even if its natural why destroy a natural wonder? 4. Whole of India mobilized to vote for Tajmahal as new 7 wonder - where are we now? 5. Why can't this place be made as tourist destination and the revenue earned serve as compensation for those extra 30 hours fuel cost? 6. WHY NOT start a geological study of the whole area / establish age of the object in question / establish the fact whether it is man-made or natural, then think of any project there. (What's the hurry?) 7. What was the haste for the Govt to inaugurate the project (the impending 123 deal?) 8. Forget party lines - the left should join issue here - US interests are involved! 9. This is NOT a religious issue - its a natural heritage! 10. What do the local people (of Rameshwaram in India and Mannar in Sri Lanka) think of this issue... 11. What about the environmental / climactic impact? 12. The current shipping minister (a party to the haste) was the environment minister few years back! Still the project was okayed!
