MoEF&CC: Ropeways to be exempted from prior EIA scrutiny

10 Feb,22 9:30 am
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Parvatmala-National Ropeways Development Programme:  Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recently decided to exclude ropeway projects from the scrutiny of environmental impact assessment.

Key Points:

  • This was done at the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Infrastructure sector.
  • MoEF&CC termed the aerial ropeway as an "environment-friendly mode of transport" in hilly areas with least impact on environment compared to roads and highways.
  • The Ministry stated citing a letter from August 2019 that Public utility ropeways have been excluded from the ambit of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 subject to certain conditions.
  • The Project would be taken up on the Public-private partnership (PPP) model.
  • It is to be taken up as a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative to conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.

Background:

  • Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget for 2022-23 had announced National Ropeways Development Programme – “Parvatmala” to improve connectivity in hilly areas.
  • The budget allocation for this scheme includes the creation of an institutional, financial, and regulatory framework for the technology.

About Parvatmala Scheme:

  • Parvatmala initiative is an ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.
  • The main aim of this project is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.
  • The scheme is being presently started in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh,Jammu & Kashmir,  Manipur and the other North Eastern states.
  • Contracts for eight ropeway projects for a length of 60 kms would be awarded in 2022-22.

The idea behind Ropeways Infrastructure:

Cost-Effective Alternative:

  • Ropeways are an economical means of transportation since they are built in a straight route over mountainous terrain, resulting in lower land acquisition expenses.
  • As a result, while having a greater construction cost per kilometre than motorways, ropeway projects may be more cost-effective than roadways.

Faster & Better:

  • Ropeways offer an advantage over roadway projects since they can be erected in a straight line, even over mountainous terrain, because they are an aerial means of transportation.

Sustainable Alternative:

  • Ropeways can pave the way towards low dust emissions which is good for the environment.
  • Material containers can be built to prevent environmental contamination.

Last mile connectivity:

  • Ropeways are preferably better for last-mile connectivity ease.
  • The projects using 3S (a type of cable car system) or related technologies can transport 6000-8000 passengers in the last mile.

What are the advantages of ropeway connectivity?

  • Ropeway connectivity is ideal for challenging, severe, difficult or sensitive terrain, especially the hilly areas.
  • They have long rope spans.
  • The system easily navigates around obstacles such as rivers, buildings, ravines, and roadways.
  • The Ropes that are led over towers take up little space on the ground and pose no threat to persons or animals.
  • Ropeway projects adopting 3S (a kind of cable car system) or equivalent technologies
  • This mode of transportation will provide mobility to people living in remote places.
  • It can transport 6000-8000 passengers per hour.
  • It will allow them easy access and transport to other areas.
  • Villagers and farmers in such places will be able to sell their produce in other areas, allowing them to increase their revenue.
  • Ropeway having multiple cars propelled by a single power-plant and drive mechanism.
  • This saves money on both construction and upkeep.
  • The employment of a single operator for a complete ropeway reduces labour costs even more.

Nodal Ministry:

  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) will have responsibility for development of ropeway and alternative mobility solutions technology, as well as construction, research, and policy in this area.
  • The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 was revised in February 2021, allowing the Ministry to oversee the development of ropeways and alternative mobility solutions.

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