Absolute non-seriousness

20/10/2018

Establishing that much-hyped Shiv Khori Passenger Ropeway Project is not a priority for the Government anymore, nobody from the administration was deputed to attend the meeting of Expert Appraisal Committee of Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for obtaining environment clearance. Due to this, the panel of experts has deferred the proposal for unspecified period. Proposal for obtaining environment clearance for Shiv Khori Passenger Ropeway Project was listed before the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest some days back. However, the committee was surprised to know that State administration had not deputed any officer to furnish the requisite information and answer the queries on various vital aspects. The project proponent-Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation didn't attend the meeting as such the proposal is deferred, the Expert Appraisal Committee has recorded on the file.
Taking serious note of non-participation in the meeting, the committee has not communicated any further date for consideration of proposal for environment clearance, sources said, adding now the project proponent will have to formally make a request to the Expert Appraisal Committee for listing of proposal for consideration and unless this step is initiated the panel will not take up the matter. This has clearly established that Shiv Khori Passenger Ropeway Project, which was once a buzzword for the politicians and bureaucrats, is no more a priority for the State Government and has virtually been shelved and had there been little bit of seriousness towards the project at any level in the Government somebody would have attended the meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee on the scheduled date along with relevant information.
The committee had sought information about all eco and environmentally sensitive areas and places which fall in the radius of 10 kilometres of the project; a note on appropriate process and materials to be used to encourage reduction in carbon foot print and details of air emission, effluents, solid waste and hazardous waste generation and their management. While laying stress on conducting public hearing and incorporation of issues raised and commitments made by the project proponent in the Environment Impact Assessment and Environment Management Plan report with financial budget for complying with the commitments, the committee had asked for submission of draft EIA/RMP report to the State Pollution Control Board for necessary action at its end. It is pertinent to mention here that the project is aimed at promoting tourism by providing additional mode of transport. However, by not showing any interest in the project the Government has created obstacles in tourism promotion.

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