Save Rama Setu:Dr. S.R. Rao, Founder of Marine Archaeology Society of India

Rameswaram Ram Setu Protection Movement is privileged to inform about the letter of 30 March 2007 from Dr. S.R. Rao addressed to Hon’ble Minister for Shipping and Transport, Govt. of India.

Dr. S.R. Rao is Former Advisor, Marine Archaeology Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Member of UNESCO-sponsored International Committee for Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH) and President of Society for Marine Archaeology ( Goa).

In this remarkable letter, Dr. SR Rao earnestly request the Hon’ble Union Minister to save the traditionally-known Rama Setu mentioned in various Puranas as a bridge built by the legendary Hero of Ramayana. He notes that it is of great emotional value as a sacred thirtha. He argues that both from marine archaeological and traditional points of view Rama Setu deserve to be declared as an UNDERWATER WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

Dr. Rao sites the archaeological and technological criteria for recommending Rama Setu to be a World Heritage site consistent with the criteria listed on page 77 of the Journal of Marine Archaeology 1997-98 for structures of archaeological as well as memorial significance.

 Dr. Rao requests the Hon’ble Union Minister to see that the cutting of the rock or any kind of damage to the rock is avoided and adds,

 “It is no less important than Swami Vivekananda Rock where a memorial is built. Alternate routes suggested by experts (vide Route 4 in Fig. 1 enclose) may kindly be considered in the interest of saving the Underwater Cultural Heritage of India namely Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge. My study of the submergence of Poompuhar shows that most of the ancient sites on east coast are being swallowed by the sea. The latest victim is the shore temple at Tarangambadi. During my two visits to Sri Lanka, as a member of the ICUCH I visited the Rama Setu site and had discussions with Commander Devendra Somasiri, another member of ICUCH from Sri Lanka about its importance as a Heritage site.”