Ropeways at Yamunotri, Kedarnath on anvil

Dehradun, June 7 (UNI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (Retd.) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri said that ropeways towards Kedarnath, Yamunotri Dham and Nilkanth would be instituted by 2010 for the convenience of pilgrims.

Chairing a reviewing meeting here today at the Secretariat, he said the state government would construct a 3.83 km long ropeway from Kharsali village to Yamunotri at a cost of Rs 21 crore.Similarly a Kedarnath ropeway would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore.

Maj Gen Khanduri maintained it was all being done to minimise the difficulties of pilgrims going to these places through difficult routes. ''Besides providing esay passage, the ropeways would attract more pilgrims and ultimately enhance revenue,'' he said, aiding a direct road would be constructed from Phoolchatti to Kharsali to enable pilgrims to reach ropeway terminals easily.

He apprised the ropeways would be constructed with monocable detachable grip, ensuring full safety to pilgrims. All the facilities like waiting room, entertainment rooms, restaurants and guide would be provided at the lower terminals a library containing literature on folklors and the history of Dhams would be set up at the upper terminals.

UNI