Shimla, 01 December 2024: In a significant decision that promises to expedite the development of transportation infrastructure in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, the Central Government has exempted ropeway projects from requiring forest clearance. This move, made official on November 29, 2024, will pave the way for faster execution of these eco-friendly transport solutions, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
Central Government’s Green Light for Ropeways: A Relief for Hilly States
The decision, taken by the Advisory Committee of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, comes after a formal request from the Himachal Pradesh government. The exemption will allow the state to bypass the stringent forest clearance processes for ropeway projects, which had previously delayed numerous initiatives. The new directive, issued on November 29, 2024, concludes that due to the minimal environmental impact of ropeway projects, they will no longer be subject to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980, and will not require the payment of Net Present Value (NPV).
The policy change is expected to greatly enhance the feasibility and speed of implementing ropeway projects, which are seen as vital for improving connectivity in remote areas. The Advisory Committee cited the eco-friendly nature of ropeways, which involve minimal disruption to forest areas and offer a sustainable mode of transport in mountainous regions.
Himachal Pradesh’s Efforts to Revive Exemption and Boost Rural Connectivity
This policy reversal is a victory for the Himachal Pradesh government, which had previously urged the Union Ministry to restore the earlier exemption that had been in place until 2023. Under the 2019 notification, ropeway projects were not required to seek forest clearance, a rule that had been withdrawn last year, leading to significant delays and escalating costs for ongoing and planned projects.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had taken the matter directly to the Union Government, writing to both Union Minister for Environment and Forest, Bhupender Yadav, and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The Chief Minister emphasized that the exemption was critical to prevent further delays and cost overruns in the state’s ropeway projects. He also highlighted that the eco-friendly nature of these projects meant they posed little threat to the environment and provided much-needed connectivity to the state’s remote villages.
Eco-Friendly Transportation with Minimal Environmental Impact
The Union Ministry’s Advisory Committee made it clear that the exemption would only apply to public utility ropeways, which are designed to serve the needs of the public and contribute to regional development. One of the key reasons for granting the exemption is the minimal environmental impact of ropeways. These systems require little earth cutting and cause almost no deforestation, making them a far more sustainable alternative to traditional transportation methods.
The committee noted that ropeways typically involve very little disruption to the natural landscape, with no significant erosion or environmental degradation, unlike road construction projects that often lead to deforestation and soil instability. Furthermore, ropeways offer a safer and more economical mode of transportation for people living in the hilly, difficult-to-access regions of Himachal Pradesh, where roads are often impassable during harsh winters.
Conditions for Exemption: Safeguarding the Environment
Despite the exemption from the Forest Conservation Act, several key conditions have been outlined to ensure that the environmental integrity of the region remains intact. The proposed ropeway projects must be at least 5 meters above the tree line, ensuring that they do not disturb the forest canopy. Additionally, the forest areas covered by the ropeway will not count towards the total area that may be requested for diversion under the Forest Conservation Act. Importantly, the user agency will have no claims on the forestland beneath the ropeway, ensuring that it remains protected for ecological purposes.
A Positive Step for Himachal’s Development and Connectivity
This exemption marks a pivotal moment in the state’s transportation infrastructure development. Himachal Pradesh, with its rugged terrain and scattered settlements, has long faced challenges in providing accessible and affordable transport to its citizens, particularly in remote mountainous areas. Ropeways, with their minimal environmental footprint, offer a promising solution to these challenges. The exemption will not only speed up the construction of these systems but will also help reduce costs and bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for more efficient use of resources.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Enhanced Connectivity and Growth
With this development, Himachal Pradesh is poised to further enhance its tourism potential and regional connectivity. The state has already recognized the importance of ropeways as part of its broader infrastructure plan, especially in areas that are difficult to access via traditional roadways. The speedier approval process for ropeway projects will now allow the state to leverage its natural landscape more effectively, offering safer and more sustainable transportation options to both locals and tourists.
The exemption also aligns with the government’s broader push towards sustainable development, aiming to balance environmental preservation with infrastructural growth. By facilitating eco-friendly modes of transport, the state is taking a significant step towards improving the quality of life for its citizens while protecting the unique natural beauty of the region.
This landmark decision by the Central Government is a crucial step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and other hilly states. By easing the regulatory burden on ropeway projects, the government is helping these states achieve greater connectivity while ensuring that environmental sustainability remains a top priority.
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