With the environmental panel’s nod, the ropeway project at Mount Girnar in Junagadh now awaits the green signal from the Wildlife Panel, appointed by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment — following objections by the National Board of Wildlife.

Union Minister for Forest and Environment Jairam Ramesh is likely to visit Junagadh to take stock of the situation before the Wildlife Panel takes its decision.

The minister’s visit will focus on the project’s impact on the vulture population in the region, given its importance as a roosting and nesting centre. He is scheduled to conduct a survey of the site.

S K Nanda, state Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, said: “The minister is likely to visit on December 5. He will check if the project threatens the birds.”

Over 7 hectares of forest area has been diverted for the project at an investment of Rs 89.31 crore, which has raised many eyebrows.

Ropeway service cabins by Usha Berco Limited, each with a capacity of eight passengers, will pass over 1,700 metres of forest land. The ropeway, with a capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour, will start from the Girnar foothills and terminate near the Ambaji Temple at the top of mountain.

Though the company and the Forest Department has carried out compensatory afforestation on 7 hectares in Toraniya plot, environmental groups have expressed apprehension over the damage to ecology. According to the Gir Nature Club, vulture is a Schedule-I bird and the project will cause disturbance.

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