CB BureauGirnar wildlife sanctuary, famous for its lions, will soon
have a ropeway to provide a convenient way of transporting pilgrims and
it is also expected to minimize man-animal conflict.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has granted ‘in principle’
approval for a ropeway project, apparently without paying much heed to objections from
green activists.
The project was under consideration since September 1995 and
was facing opposition from environmentalists who apprehended adverse impact on
the habitat of endangered vultures.
‘I have seen for myself the strong reasons to build the
ropeway. The Girnari Giddh (vulture) population that is going to be affected by
the ropeway project is between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of the total population of
long-billed vultures in Gujarat, but less than 10 per cent of the population of
vultures in the state,’ said environment minister Jairam Ramesh.
However, there are several stringent conditions that come
along with the approval.
The ministry has asked the Gujarat government to submit a
report within two months about its study to consider alternate alignment of the
ropeway project, to ensure that it does not cut across the prime vulture habitat
and minimizes disturbance to the nesting, roosting and ranging sites of
long-billed vultures and other wildlife species.
Also, a camera of high resolution will be placed to monitor
movement of vultures; a cafeteria for vultures will be constructed at an
appropriate location.
A technical monitoring group will be set up to advice on
safety protocols and to monitor the implementation of the conditions.