Hope in sight for Jakhu ropeway project

According to highly placed sources,the company has now agreed to drop its proposal to build an attic on the top storey to instal its equipment and rest the mobile cabins,which was objected to by the MC,and is also seeking regularisation of the violations,if any,in the existing structure.

Confirms Shimla Municipal Commissioner A N Sharma: “This is a mega tourism infrastructure project,which cannot be scrapped at this advanced stage. The only way out is to make it operational and compound the violations. For this,I have already moved a case to the government.”

The corporation has,however,left it to the government to take a final call as it will not be possible for its officials to monitor use of the nine-storey structure.

The tourism department,too,is not averse to the views of the corporation as some other aerial ropeway projects are also being promoted in the state.

“The tourism department is keen to see that all proposed ropeway projects come up fast. The Jakhu project is delayed inordinately after it was initially facilitated by High Court orders. The promoters are in touch with the town and country planning department and also the MC to clear some of the objections raised by the agencies,” says Tourism Director Dr Arun Sharma.

The promoters,on the other hand,deny any violation. “We have gone strictly by the approved plans. The cost of the project has already gone up to Rs 18 crore from the proposed Rs 12 crore. We are prepared to abide by the orders of the government whether related to construction or environment issues,or safety of the structure,” says Jagdish Gupta,chairman,Jagson International.

Proposed in the mid-eighties,global bids were invited for the ropeway project during the previous Congress government. The ropeway will connect Shimla’s Ridge with the famous Hanuman temple on the Jakhu hills.