Kerala High Court Seeks Environment Ministry's Stand On Feasibility Of Ropeway To Sabarimala Through Periyar Tiger Reserve

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu petition regarding the construction of the said ropeway based on the reports submitted by the Advocate Commissioner.

The 12^th respondent in the case, M/s. Eighteeth Step Damodar Cable Company Ltd., was proposing the ropeway, which would pass through the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The Court orally remarked, “Why would someone do this? You don't even have the capacity to provide toilets to all these people. Why do you want all these people to go there? How is it possible. I don't know.”

The Bench noted that as per the sketches provided, in order to construct the pathway, it would have to cut through 12 metres of forest land and around 97 trees would have to be felled. Noting that there are no other details provided, it orally observed:

“From the sketch it doesn't appear from where to where this path is being cut. What is the length - absolutely nothing. What is stated is a 12-meter-wide forest and trees will be cut and removed and they will install 6 or 7 pillars and then take it up.”

The Court expressed its skepticism regarding permit being given for the project. It was submitted before the bench that 10 acres of compensatory forestation would be done in Thenmala.

Upon hearing the same, the Court orally remarked,

“This forest is different from Thenmala…If it is tourist destination, you can take a ropeway or whatever. Here you look at facilities there.”

After being told about the example of cable cars in Palani, the Court orally stated, “Sabarimala is different. No tree was cut in Palani.”

Thereafter, the Court told the DSGI to get instructions from the MoEFCC, which was arrayed as the 6^th respondent, to get instruction with regard to the feasibility of putting up a ropeway through the tiger reserve.

The matter is posted after 10 days.

Case No: DBP No. 30 of 2024 and connected case

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected case