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News Topical, Digital Desk : The terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on April 22nd has not only directly affected tourism but is also impacting ongoing development projects in the Pahalgam Valley. The government has halted these projects.
Earlier, the project was stalled by the Environment and Forest Department due to environmental issues regarding the proposal to cut hundreds of cedar trees, but now it has become a major hurdle due to security issues.
The government gave this information
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday told the J&K Assembly that the proposed gondola project in Pahalgam has been put on hold as the executing agency is awaiting security clearance from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to resume ground survey and technical studies.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Tourism Minister, told the House that the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) had finalised the tenders and signed an agreement with a consultant for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and related work.
This process was halted due to the terrorist attack – Omar Abdullah
He said the process was stalled due to restrictions imposed after the Pahalgam terror attack. Omar Abdullah said, "The alignment for the 1.4-kilometer ropeway project has already been finalized, with the lower terminal point near Yatri Niwas and the upper terminal point in Biasaran. Approximately 9.13 hectares of forest department land has been allocated for the project, which is estimated to cost between 100 and 120 crore rupees."
The issue was raised by a National Conference MLA
The issue was raised in the J&K Assembly by NC MLA from Pahalgam, Altaf Kaloo, who said that efforts should be made to normalise the tourism industry after the Pahalgam attack and the ropeway project was one such step.
However, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while responding to the question, said that the project's executing agency has sought permission to visit the site for topographical and geo-technical studies and the government is awaiting the NIA's approval.
The minister said, “The matter has been taken up with the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, who has informed that it is under consideration with the NIA.” He said that work on the project will begin immediately upon receiving approval from the NIA, which is expected to be completed in 18 months.
The aim was to connect the beautiful city with the Baisaran Valley
This ambitious project aims to connect the picturesque town of Pahalgam with the magnificent meadows of Baisaran Valley, located about 6 kilometres by road, through a 2-km long ropeway.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense pine forests, Bai Saran is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty and visitors via the aerial route will get to see panoramic views of the valley.
What did the officer associated with the project say?
An official associated with the project said, 'The 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the Forest and other concerned departments is still pending, but efforts were underway to expedite the process at the time of the attack.'
He said, once operational, the project will transform Pahalgam into a year-round tourist destination, attracting tourists not only during the summer months and for the Amarnath Yatra but also during the winters when the town is covered in a blanket of snow.
Officials and stakeholders are calling the project a 'game-changer' for Pahalgam as it is expected to decongest Gulmarg, the famous ski-resort in north Kashmir, by giving adventure tourists an option for winter sports activities.
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