Sethu Samudram: Jaya hits out at Centre’s ‘silence’

Reacting to Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s recent charge that the state government wasn’t extending support to the project, she said: ‘‘It is the PMO which has reportedly raised serious environmental issues relating to the project and has reportedly enjoined both the Ministry of Environment and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to put on hold all clearances until a proper evaluation.’’

She said according to media reports, the ministries hadn’t responded to the PMO’s note.

‘‘The deafening silence… is, indeed, shocking.’’ She alleged that Chidambaram was making a crude attempt at gaining political mileage by accusing Tamil Nadu of delaying the project.

Insisting that her government was in favour of the project, Jayalalithaa, however, said it was equally important that all environmental issues be addressed properly. In a large project that is bound to disturb the seafloor, there has to be complete and careful examination of all aspects which could damage environment. Only after this and laying down the safeguards can the project be implemented.

Instead of addressing all concerns in a cohesive and cogent manner, all kinds of measures, including pressuring the TNPCB with contempt of court and show-cause notices, are being resorted to, the Chief Minister alleged. ‘‘Never have we seen a government, which is supposed to take steps to protect the environment, show such unseemly haste in rushing the project through without even addressing the genuine concerns expressed by fishermen and environmentalists,’’ she said.