National Wildlife Board Reviews Sabarimala Ropeway Project

Quick Summary

• Project Overview: Authorities are moving forward with the Sabarimala ropeway project, subject to clearance from the National Board for Wildlife and Forest department.
• Site Details:

– Proposed ropeway spans 2.7 km, designed to transport goods and emergency medical aid between Pampa base station and Sannidhanam.
– Requires diversion of approximately 4.53 hectares of forest land.
– Infrastructure includes five towers (40-60m height) linking terminals at Pampa Hilltop and near the police barracks at sannidhanam.

• estimated Cost & Model: ₹250 crore; Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with plans for 60 cars, including cargo trays and ambulance cars.
• Procedure Status:

– Awaiting clearance by October from National Board for Wildlife after site inspection report submission.
– Second phase involves option land allocation in Kattilappra as compensation for diverted forest area.

• History & Challenges:

– Concept proposed in 2011 but delayed due to objections over environmental impacts like earth removal and tree felling.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Sabarimala ropeway project represents a notable step toward improving logistical operations in one of India’s major pilgrimage sites. while it promises safer transportation of goods and enhanced medical facilities via specially outfitted ambulance cars, the associated environmental concerns warrant attention. The proposed diversion of forest land adds complexity, needing careful assessment to balance development with ecological sensitivity.The BOT model ensures reduced financial burden on public resources while facilitating private sector efficiency-though long-term sustainability should be evaluated thoroughly before greenlighting construction. Given previous delays since its inception in 2011 due to environmental objections, securing wildlife board clearance alongside alternative compensatory measures will be critical milestones before proceeding further.

Should this project progress as planned, it may set a precedent for infrastructure development within ecologically sensitive zones across India-but only if executed responsibly without compromising core environmental safeguards.

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