In the near future, the distance from the pilgrimage city of Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev will be covered in just 15 minutes via a ropeway. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved the construction of the 6.5-kilometre-long Rishikesh-Neelkanth ropeway, which will be built at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore. This information was shared during a meeting of the State Wildlife Board.
Currently, to reach Neelkanth Mahadev from Rishikesh, devotees have to travel about 30 kilometres by road or trek approximately 9 kilometres on foot. Considering the large crowds of devotees, the government decided to construct this ropeway for their convenience. The ropeway, connecting Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, will be built using Monocable Detachable Gondola technology.
Highly Safe Technology
This modern technology is considered highly safe. The construction of the ropeway will not only provide relief from traffic jams in Rishikesh city but also make the journey to Neelkanth Mahadev accessible and easy for the elderly and people with disabilities. The Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation has been appointed as the nodal agency for this project.
Since the ropeway is to be constructed within the forest area between Rishikesh and Neelkanth Mahadev, the State Wildlife Board had previously approved the transfer of forest land and the project's construction. The proposal was subsequently sent to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval, which has now been granted. There is now hope that this project will soon materialise on the ground.
Chaurasi Kuti To Get New Look
The picturesque Chaurasi Kuti, located in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, is set to be revamped. The National Board for Wildlife has approved the proposal regarding its renovation. During the State Wildlife Board meeting, it was informed that the structures at Chaurasi Kuti will be restored to their original form, and tourist amenities will also be developed. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been appointed as the executing agency for these works. To ensure the work progresses rapidly, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve will conduct site inspections twice a month.
Reconstruction Of Mansa Devi Temple Road
Reconstruction work related to damage caused by landslides on the approach road to the Mansa Devi Temple in the holy city of Haridwar will also be undertaken. The National Board for Wildlife has given the green light for this project as well.
Other Key Achievements
- Wildlife management plans for 56 forest land transfer proposals were approved between July and December last year.
- No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were issued for 29 forest land transfer proposals.
- The compensation amount for death due to wildlife attacks has been increased from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- 93 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been formed to ensure prompt action in cases of human-wildlife conflict across 32 forest divisions.
- Sites have been selected for the establishment of Wildlife Rescue Centers in Pithoragarh, Champawat and Rudraprayag.
- Effective steps have been taken to prevent human-wildlife conflict.
- Land has been selected for a Mini Transit Treatment Center in the Kedarnath Wildlife Division.
- New land will be selected for a view point in the Nelang Valley under Gangotri National Park.
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