Centre puts Girnar ropeway project on hold

Asad Rehmani,a prominent conservationist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and a committee member said the environment impact assessment report submitted by a private firm,Usha Breco Ltd,seeking to construct the ropeway was factually incorrect with particular reference to faunal diversity of the area.

He said 121 vultures (long-billed and white-beaked species) were counted in the region in 2005,which has declined to 79,according to the 2007 census.

The committee further observed that the project seeking diversion of around seven hectares of Girnar forestland was yet to get environmental clearance.

“The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is the only known colony of long-billed vultures in Gujarat. If the ropeway passes through the trees housing vulture nests,it will be a disaster,” Rehmani added.

The move has,however,disheartened the locals of Junagadh who were lobbying for the ropeway for long.

Mahendra Mashru,BJP legislator from Junagadh,who led a delegation to New Delhi a month ago to submit a memorandum in favour of the ropeway project,termed the decision as unfortunate.

“It is very painful to hear such a decision. Ropeways are operated in several forests across India,then why the same is rejected here? We were waiting for the realisation of the project. By taking such a decision,the Centre has shut the door of development here,” Mashru said.

K H Patel,a senior citizen,also termed the decision as shocking.” It is a shocking decision for us who have difficulty climbing Girnar Mountain.”

The Gujarat Wildlife Department, too strongly argued in favour of the project,saying it will ease the pressure on wildlife by devotees who pass through the jungle to reach the holy shrine atop Girnar.

Junagadh Mayor Satish Ahir was cautious in his reply though. “We need to know the details before commenting,” he said.