The Rajasthan government’s proposal to construct a ropeway linking Jogi Mahal and Ranthambore Fort within the critical tiger habitat (CTH) has stirred significant controversy among wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.
The project, aimed at easing access for pilgrims to the revered Trinetra Ganeshji temple situated in the forested area, has been met with staunch opposition due to its potential impacts on the local tiger population and the fragile ecosystem. Critics argue that the proposed ropeway, set in an area housing over a dozen tigers and serving as a vital breeding zone, poses severe threats to wildlife conservation efforts. “Jogi Mahal and Padam Talab are crucial for tiger breeding, and the introduction of a ropeway could disrupt this delicate balance, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts,” voiced a prominent green activist and lawyer concerned about the project’s ecological implications.
Former Rajasthan minister for tourism, environment, forest, and culture, Bina Kak, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the aesthetic and environmental integrity of the forested landscape. “The addition of electrical infrastructure and cable cars would not only compromise the natural charm of Ranthambore but also pose risks such as forest fires and pollution,” Kak stated, citing past refusals to introduce similar projects in ecologically sensitive areas like Sajjangarh. Proponents of the ropeway project argue that it could potentially mitigate human impact on the forest by reducing vehicular traffic and introducing eco-friendly transport options like e-buses and cable cars. This perspective suggests that phasing out private vehicles in favour of controlled access via the ropeway could alleviate congestion and enhance visitor management within the CTH.
However, concerns persist regarding the potential surge in tourist footfall upon the ropeway’s completion, complicating efforts to manage the park’s carrying capacity and posing logistical challenges such as parking and wildlife monitoring. A retired senior forest department official from Ranthambore cautioned against overlooking these complexities, citing existing issues with vehicular traffic impacting wildlife adversely. Recent studies indicate that the CTH division of Ranthambore witnesses approximately 2.2 million pilgrim visits annually, accompanied by a rising number of vehicles, exacerbating pressures on the delicate ecosystem. Critics within the forest department urge the government to reconsider the ropeway proposal in light of these environmental concerns and the broader implications for wildlife conservation.
