• By Kamal Kumar
  • Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:34 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Ram Setu Space Pics:  A splendid high-resolution photograph of Ram Setu, a natural, limestone shoals bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka, was shared by the European Space Agency (ESA). The image taken by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite displayed the awe-inspiring beauty of the historically and mythically significant geological structure.

The Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, stretches 48 kilometres, connecting India's Rameshwaram island to Sri Lanka's Mannar island. It separates the Palk Strait in the Indian Ocean from the Gulf of Manna in the Bay of Bengal. The glacial period structure is revered in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana as a man-made bride, constructed by Ayodhya's Lord Ram to reach his wife Devi Sita, who was abducted by the devious king Ravana of Lanka. The scriptures equate present-day Sri Lanka to Ravana's empire - the golden city of Lanka.

In popular mythology, an army of primates helped Lord Ram in the construction of the 'Setu', which was later crossed by them to defeat the Ravana's armies.

How Geology Defines Ram Setu

Apart from the numerous myths and theories, the geological evidence indicates that these remnants of the limestone shoals were once part of the land strip connecting India and Sri Lanka.

"According to records, this natural bridge was traversable until the 15th century, after which it was gradually eroded by storms over the years," ESA wrote in the description of the picture.

"Some of the sandbanks are dry and, as the light colour of the water indicates, the sea here is very shallow, only 1–10 m deep. Mannar Island covers about 130 sq km and is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by a road bridge and a railway bridge, both visible at the southern end of the island," the space agency further mentioned.

Ram Setu and the Sethusamudram Project Controversy

The successive Indian governments constituted various committees to suggest ways to construct a shipping canal lane by cutting down a portion of the Ram Setu. However, every committee formed to date has suggested the use of the land-based passage, in place of cutting.

In 2005, the UPA government approved the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. It was aimed at constructing a ship channel across the Palk Strait by dredging the shallow ocean floor near Dhanushkodi. However, the project was yet to be initiated as many political parties such as BJP, AIADMK and Hindu organisations have opposed it, citing the religious significance of the bridge.