HimVani
Shimla (Oct 28): A ropeway between Shahtalai and Deotsidh would be commissioned under Built Operate Own & Transfer (BOOT) basis by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Principal secretary (tourism) Manisha Nanda disclosed that about 25 to 30 lakh pilgrims visit Deotsidh every year and the proposed ropeway would decongest and ensure free flow of tourists during the peak season. The Lower Terminal Point (LTP) would be located near Shahtalai. The total span of the ropeway would be about 2 km and the distance would be covered in about 10 minutes. The disembarking point would be located at a plateau involving minimum hassle to the pilgrims without compromising with the religious sentiments. Nanda informed that RITES India Ltd Gurgaon has been asked to submit the revised survey report of Shahtalai-Deotsidh ropeway site by 25th November, 2010.
Nanda further disclosed that the bid document for Neugal-Palampur ropeway too would be prepared. It was decided to locate the Lower Terminal Point at Neugal obviating the requirement of land from IHBT, Palampur. The department also planned a strategy to publicize the Triund area of Kangra district with the added attraction of trekking, camping, hiking, etc.
A team of the officials from the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation would visit the officials of Punjab Government to solve the difficulties being experienced in Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi ropeway. Similarly, the issue of Bhunter-Bijli Mahadev ropeway and Palchan-Rohtang ropeway in Kullu district would also be sorted out at the earliest, Mrs. Nanda further added.
Dr Arun Kumar Sharma, director (Tourism); Sanjiv Pathania, additional director; Manoj Sharma, joint director of Tourism department and RITES consultants NC Srivastava & Mr RK Sharma were also present in the meeting.
