Chennai:
DMK president M Karunanidhi will launch the first of a series of state-wide protests demanding implementation of the multi-million rupee Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project on July 8.
The DMK chief will lead the agitation at Nagapattinam, while his son and DMK Treasurer M K Stalin will lead the protests at Tuticorin. His daughter Kanimozhi, former ministers TR Baalu and A Raja will lead at Cuddalore, Kanyakumari and Puthukottai respectively.
The party had adopted a resolution on June 17 to hold a series of protests against ruling AIADMK's demand to declare Ramasethu, which involves dredging as part of the project, as a national heritage, besides pressing for its immediate implementation.
Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the mythological Ram Sethu bridging the southern tip of the country to Sri Lanka.
The project has been put on hold after petitions were filed in the Supreme Court opposing demolition of Ram Sethu.
Tamil Nadu Government has pleaded with the Supreme Court that the project be scrapped as it would adversely affect marine biodiversity and the Centre be directed to declare Ram Sethu as a national monument.