Shimla: The Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Project in Shimla has received Stage-I approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The project aims to improve urban transport system in the state capital by developing a 13.79 kilometer long ropeway being constructed with an amount of Rs 1734.70 crore connecting major points across the hill station.
The initiative will help in easing traffic congestion and cutting carbon emissions and promoting clean and sustainable urban mobility both for locals and the tourists, the deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said today.
He said that in-principle approval has been granted for the use of 6.1909 hectares of forest land, with full compliance to all environmental and legal norms.
Agnihotri said that this project was a major gift for the people of Shimla and would play a pivotal role in achieving the State Government’s vision of a ‘Green Himachal’.
He expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of Environment for granting approval to this important project.
He further said that environmental protection would remain a top priority of the present state government and all construction activities would follow the guidelines of the forest department.