1) Old gives way to the new. However, the dredging will shorten the travel time from west to east coast by only 30 hours. So, is it an urgent project when a direct land transportation is also an alternative?
2) The entire shallow sea is composed of limestone rocks. The project will certainly cause pollution in the sea. The old Setusamundram, notwithstanding its relevance to the Hindu mythology, is a part of nature. It is better to avoid tampering with mother nature.
3) I have an alternative proposal. The relationship between India and SL will improve, and trade will flourish between them sometime in the future. So, wait for that day and build an expressway to link with SL, instead of cutting through the Setusamundram?
I feel the GoI is self-centered and is not taking into consideration of the sentiment of the people of SL. Some Indians, as usual, are making a wrong allegation that SL is protesting because a deep sea will take away businesses away from SL. But, the reality is, dredging will certainly cause pollution.