There is a growing social outcry in response to the hunger strike of Venerable Jiyul, whose life is extinguishing like a flame in the wind. People are unable to ignore the cries of someone who has put her existence on the line. For days now, in Seoul's Gwanghwamun and in locations throughout the country, citizens have been holding candlelight vigils to "save Ven. Jiyul" while religious representatives are coming out in sympathy with her calls. We repent for our inability to come up with ideas for dealing with the situation when a monk is looking death in the face, and appeal on the government and the whole of society, that they would seek a solution.
Something also of note is that experts have begun suggesting alternatives. Those experts include Ham Se Young of Busan University's geography department, Gim Jwa Gwan of Busan Catholic University's environmental science department, Yi Yu Seop, head of the City of Busan's safety diagnosis specialists' association, and four others. Their proposal is to have the rail line follow the Seoul-Busan expressway from Eonyang, then detour around the greater Yangsan area to meet up and connect with the Seoul-Busan rail line at the Nakdong River.
By reducing eliminating the tunnel section through Mount Cheonseong by 13 kilometers, the plan would save W350 billion in construction costs, and shorten construction time by a full year. Anther advantage is that the congestion that construction through the center of Busan would entail could be avoided, and the 2.3 kilometers or 10,000 pyeong of waterfront area from Busanjin to Busan Station could be restored. The team of experts says it plans to formally submit its proposal to the government.
Is our society so uncaringly intolerant that it will ignore a monk's ardent cries that are not for her own interest but to maintain principle and life in its many forms, and allow her to continue unto death? Can we not harness her cries for establishing a valuable foothold towards a better society? The reason the Korea Rail Network Authority gives for not accepting Ven. Jiyul's calls for a proper environmental impact assessment is that it would delay construction and incur further costs. If that's the case, there is no reason for them not to consider an alternative proposal that would reduce both the cost of the project and construction time. There has to be a way to save Ven. Jiyul and Mount Cheonseong, and to benefit the people.
The Hankyoreh, 1 February 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Consider Alternative to Mt. Cheonseong Tunnel |
