India, Lanka to share data on Sethusamudram

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to share relevant data on the Sethusamudram project which could enable them to assess and monitor its environmental impact, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. This decision was reached at Monday's Second Round of Technical Level Discussions in New Delhi between the two countries on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project.

Sri Lanka had handed over to the Indian authorities proposals identifying areas that would merit specific attention, including in the context of environmental dimensions of the Project, the Ministry added.

The proposals also set out the modalities whereby the scientific personnel of the two countries could exchange information to develop a common understanding of the cooperative measures needed to mitigate any adverse impacts. The Indian delegation in turn made clear that they would share information relevant to Sri Lanka.

During the discussions, the Sri Lankan delegation made scientific presentations on areas identified in their proposals.

There were also scientific presentations by the Indian delegation concerning the actions taken by their country to meet the environmental concerns.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session that enabled scientific experts on both sides to obtain further information and clarifications from one another. The Sri Lanka delegation will, upon their return, be engaged in the follow-up to the discussions and the preparations for the Third Round of Technical Level Discussions.

Excerpts from the Agreed Note as issued at the end of the discussions under the joint signatures of the two Heads of delegation:

"The technical delegations agreed that the purpose of the discussion was to develop a common understanding of the environmental concerns with a view to addressing them. Specific discussions were held in respect of the following:-

a. Hydrodynamic Modelling assumptions behind the project.

b. Environmental measures for the sustainability of the marine ecosystem within the Canal and its adjacent areas.

c. Possible impact on fisheries resources and fisheries dependent communities.

d. Measures to cope with navigational emergencies.

3. Indian side made available the:

a. Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by NEERI,

b. Detailed Project Report,

c. Details of modelling studies.

During discussions both sides discussed concerns relating to environmental aspects of the project which could affect Sri Lanka. Both sides agreed to an arrangement to share relevant data for this purpose which could enable them to assess and monitor the environmental impact of the project.

Sri Lankan authorities will examine the details provided by the Indian side and make available additional requests for information before further discussions. Technical level discussions to arrive at a common understanding for addressing environmental concerns will continue and the next meeting of experts will be held at a mutually convenient time shortly.

The Indian delegation was led by Mr. D.T. Joseph, Secretary to the Government of India responsible for the Department of Shipping. The Sri Lanka delegation was headed by A. Hewage, Advisor to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation.

The Sri Lankan delegation was mandated by the Cabinet appointed inter-Ministerial Committee of Secretaries, convened by the Foreign Ministry.

It comprised Sri Lankan science personnel with specialised expertise on the issues for discussion, as well as the Heads or senior officials of the concerned Government agencies or institutes, such as the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, the Central Environmental Authority, the Industrial Technology Institute, the Marine Pollution Prevention Authority, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Sri Lanka Hydraulics Institute Limited. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also represented.