Central Environment and Forest ministry is likely to take a decision on Girnar Ropeway project in a meeting on Monday. In February this year the ministry had granted ‘in-principle’ approval to Gujarat’s proposed Girnar rope-way project, subject to the six specific conditions.

The first condition was about “conducting a study to consider alternate alignment of the ropeway project preferably along the Dattar/Bhesan side with a view to ensure that it does not cut across the prime vulture habitat and minimizes disturbance to the nesting, roosting and ranging sites of long-billed vultures and other wildlife species and submit report within two months”.

Accordingly the Gujarat government has submitted a report in this regard. According to sources the state has stated in report that alternate alignment is not possible.

As per the statutory procedure, the Standing Committee of the NBWL will take the final decision based on the report submitted by the Government of Gujarat.

The other conditions for Girnar ropeway project’s environment clearance are: The height of the 9th and 10th tower of ropeway will be increased to avoid disturbance to the vulture nesting sites located in this area. A camera of high resolution will be placed on the 9th tower to monitor movement of vultures and if required, movement of cabins of the ropeway will be regulated in such way as to avoid any accidental collision of vultures with the cabin of ropeway. The ministry has also put a condition that a cafeteria for vultures will be constructed at an appropriate location, to be decided in consultation with the experts, to provide for supplemental feed to the vultures apart from attempting to divert the movement of vultures away from the ropeway;

In another condition, the ministry has asked the state government to impose a cess of Rs. 5 per ticket or 2% of the ticket turnover revenue, whichever is higher. This cess amount will be given to the Gir lion conservation society for conservation-related activities in and around the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary with a focus on long-billed vultures.

The last condition is about formation of a technical monitoring group of officers from Gujarat Forest Department, local voluntary organizations concerned, BNHS, WWF and experts to advise on safety protocols and to monitor the implementation of the conditions governing the clearance of the ropeway project.