Saturday, July 2 2005 20:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: UPA (United Progressive Alliance) chairperson Sonia Gandhi today (July 2, 2005) said the Centre would implement the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project in a manner that 'protects and preserves the local ecology,' as the tsunami had already taught the Government the need to care for the fishermen.

Speaking after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated works on the Rs 2,427 crore Sethusamudram Ship Channel project, Gandhi expressed confidence that the authorities were alive to their (fishermen and environmentalists') 'sensitivities.'

Noting that environmentalists had raised some issues about the impact of the project, she said the fishing community would be paid due attention. "We will make sure their interests are protected and their welfare will be central in all our endeavours," she said.

In her short speech, Gandhi said it was only the UPA Government that had 'decisively' come forward to realise the dream of the people on this 'technologically and economically vital project'.

The project would benefit lakhs of people in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It would also stimulate trade and encourage tourism and other economic activities.

Congratulating Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu and others on launching this 'historical project', she said, "Today was a day of satisfaction" and a historical moment for the people of Tamil Nadu and for the people of the country.