18 November,2016 06:00 PM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
Officials claim that the Borivli-Thane ropeway project is difficult to implement as it passes through sensitive zone inside SGNP
Representational image
The ambitious Rs. 1,000-crore-ropeway project that was expected to connect Borivli and Thane via Sanjay Gandhi National Park, might not see the light of day, sources in the forest department have said. The project might not get cleared as it involves construction inside dense forestland, which could pose a threat to the thriving wildlife. There is also security risk involved because of an Air Force radar located inside the park.
According to officials, the MMRDA had plans to create an eight-km-long ropeway connecting Borivli with Thane. The proposed project was to pass through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The subject was also discussed in the state wildlife board meeting. MMRDA officials claimed that the project would help solve the commuting woes between Borivli and Thane and cut down travel time from 90 minutes to less than half. Around 90 commuters can travel via the ropeway in one single journey. It would also help generate revenue that could be shared between MMRDA and SGNP. "MMRDA has plans to come up with a ropeway project, but getting clearance for the same is not easy as it passes through the core, sensitive zone," said a senior forest department official, on condition of anonymity.
"There is already a lot of disturbance around the SGNP due to encroachment. The ropeway is an environment-friendly mode of transport, but during construction there will certainly be some disturbance," said Rajesh Sanap, wildlife photographer.
Shree Bhagwan, additional principal chief conservator of forest, said that as of now only permission for a survey has been granted.
