Centre nods 261-m ropeway between Raghunath temple, Toad Rock

New Delhi, March 6: The Centre has given environment clearance for installing a 261-metre passenger ropeway from Raghunath temple to Toad Rock in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

"Based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the Environment Ministry has given clearance to the project subject to the compliance of some specific and general conditions," a senior government official said.

The proposed project at Nakki lake will have a base station near Raghunath Temple and upper terminal near Toad Rock.

The project would cover an area of 3,774 meter and the cost would be Rs 4 crore, he said. Among conditions specified, the official said the company should maintain a distance from Toad Rock to the ropeway as per the certified plan. Ropeway should be operated during day time only.

The company should not allow restaurant or food court in ropeway project without setting up a proper effluent treatment plant and monitoring mechanism, he said.

The environment clearance would be subject to obtaining of prior clearance from wildlife angle including clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, he added.

The proposed ropeway, which is expected to carry 400 person per hour during peak load, is expected to promote tourism and pilgrimage.

PTI