The much-awaited ropeway project in Sabarimala, which ran into several delays following contentions over the diversion of forest land, is finally set to take off with authorities working out the modalities of a land-swap agreement.
As per this, the Revenue department will hand over 10 acres of land in Chinnakanal in Idukki district for compensatory afforestation in lieu of 10.25 acres of forest land to be utilised for the project. The department has already prepared the sketch and plan of 6.5 acres of the property while the tahsildar has issued directions to the village officer concerned to complete demarcation of the remaining land at the earliest.
Confirming the development, K. Ananthagopan, president, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), said the proposal was awaiting a nod from the State government. “We will soon be holding consultations with the Revenue Minister in this regard and the works will begin as soon as the land is handed over to the Forest department. The project contractor has agreed to complete the works in just six months,’‘ he said.
