Sabarimala ropeway in limbo

Kottayam: The construction of the ropeway from Pampa to Sannidhanam proposed in the Sabarimala master plan is yet to begin  though a contract was signed between the Travancore Devaswom Board  and a private firm two years ago. The 2.9-km-long ropeway through the forest was meant to facilitate easy transportation of goods from Pampa to the place behind Malikapuram temple at Sannidhanam and replace tractors operating in the route currently. 

The tractors cause safety  problem to the 24-hour flow of pilgrims who move  in a narrow space. The  ropeway will reduce the environmental hazards as well as noise pollution at Sabarimala. The High Court had restricted the movement of tractors from 12 pm to 3 pm and 12 am to 3 am. The 7-km route is full of steep slopes and curves thereby making it difficult for the tractors to move around with the heavy goods when the pilgrims are ascending and descending the hill.

TDB president A. Padmakumar told this newspaper that steps were afoot to begin the work. According to sources, the alignment of the ropeway has been finalised. The construction requires the nod of the Union ministry of environment and forests and the wildlife department.