Indian Government finalises draft MoU on Sethusamudram

New Delhi (PTI) - The government has finalised a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to be signed with the Suez Canal Authority, under which the latter would share its expertise for the implementation of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project (SSCP), the Rajya Sabha was informed.

The draft MoU has been discussed and finalised and it envisages exchange of information, expertise and technological advancements, training of personnel and technical cooperation between the two authorities, Shipping Minister T R Baalu said in a written reply.

A delegation led by the Minister had visited the Suez Canal in November 2004. In June this year, another delegation of shipping officials held talks with the Suez Canal Authority to finalise the proposed MoU. Baalu said adequate care was taken while formulating the project to ensure minimal adverse impact on the environment. The Ministry of Environment and Forests held two rounds of public hearing to elicit concerns and views of fishermen and green activists, before it granted clearance to the project.

The conditions attached with the environmental clearance requires the project authority to monitor marine environment quality periodically and take all necessary measures to protect bio-diversity including endangered species of mangroves, corals and mammals, the Minister said.

For the benefit of the local fishermen, development of fishing harbours has also been planned as part of the project.