Decision on Girnar rope-way by February end: Ramesh

Rajkot, Jan 27 (PTI) Union Environment Minister JayramRamesh today said that the decision on Girnar rope-way projectin Junagadh district could be taken by the end of February.

Addressing a group of local priests and mahants atRudreshwar Bharti Ashram in Junagadh, Ramesh said, "Theproject will have to wait for Union government''s decision tillthe end of next month."

The environment minister said he was studying allthe aspects of the project, negative and positive.

"I hope that by the end of the next month, EnvironmentMinistry would be able to decide whether to approve theproject or reject it," Ramesh said.

The decision on the rope-way for Girnar hill has beendelayed due to the protest by local environment activists, whoallege it will harm the nearby habitats of vultures.

Also, the sadhus of the area have opposed the project,saying that rope-way will turn the place into a tourist spot.

Climbing the Girnar hill is a part of a pilgrimage, and arope-way would damage the spiritual "ambiance" of the place,they say.

Ramesh was here for one-day visit, and he went to therope-way site this morning. He also visited Gir sanctuary.

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