(Tribune)
The proposal to link the Yamunotri shrine with a 3,833-metre ropeway (Jankichatti-Yamunotri) in Uttarkashi district has been hanging fire for the past eight years. The project was proposed in 2010. According to sources, the company entrusted with the construction decided to withdraw from the project, leaving the Tourism Department high and dry. The ropeway was proposed keeping in view certain pilgrims who often succumb to mountain sickness and other ailments while undertaking a 6.5-km arduous trek from Jankichatti.
Efforts to link Jankichatti and Yamunotri with a ropeway began in 2010. The Tourism Department had reached an agreement with Topworth Infra Private Limited to construct the Jankichatti- Yamunotri ropeway at a cost of Rs 70 crore under the public-private partnership. Initially, the government faced hurdles in acquiring land for the ropeway station, but the problem was resolved after villagers agreed to give their land for the project. Later, the issue of environmental clearances blocked the project, but after much deliberations all clearances were obtained in 2014.
