Pilgrims' Path Or Wildlife's Woe? Rajasthan's Ranthambore Ropeway Proposal Under Fire From Environmentalists

The Rajasthan government's recent budget announcement to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing a ropeway between Jogi Mahal and Ranthambore Fort has sparked significant criticism from wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.

The proposed project aims to facilitate pilgrimages to the Trinetra Ganeshji Temple, located in the critical tiger habitat (CTH) of Ranthambore.

Currently, pilgrims spend over six hours on foot or two to three hours by vehicle in the park, leading to increased ecological disturbance. The integrated ropeway system is designed to reduce travel time to just 16-18 minutes, with cabins suspended above the park to ensure minimal environmental harm.

Planned routes will feature a limited number of towers aligned along the existing fort road, aimed at facilitating construction and maintenance while prioritising the conservation of the national park over commercial interests.

Concerns Over Wildlife and Human-Animal Conflict

However, critics of the project argue that the development could disrupt the breeding grounds of the local tiger population.

The area is home to over a dozen tigers, including tigresses Riddhi, Arrowhead, and Sultana, each with three cubs, along with tigress Noorie and her sub-adult male cub, as well as two male tigers, T-120 and T-101.

Frequent recordings of these tigers' movements in the proposed project area raise alarms for wildlife activists, who fear that an influx of thousands of pilgrims could force the tigers to abandon their habitats or increase human-animal conflicts.

Bina Kak, the former Rajasthan minister for tourism, environment, forest, and culture, has criticised the project. She said "the presence of hanging electric wires and cable cars inside the deep forest will not only be a threat to the wildlife but also an eyesore."

Kak further expressed concern that the ropeway would mar the aesthetics and skyline of the historical fort and Jogi Mahal, which are popular among wildlife enthusiasts.

A recent study revealed that 2.2 million pilgrims visit the CTH Ranthambore division annually, leading to 175,854 vehicles entering the area — an increase of 8-10 per cent each year. This surge in visitors often exceeds the park's carrying capacity, resulting in frequent incidents of wild animals being hit by vehicles, the Times of India reports.

Former state wildlife board member Sunil Mehta suggested that the ropeway, along with e-buses, could help reduce disturbances by phasing out private vehicles. However, doubts about the feasibility of banning private cars persist, especially given the anticipated increase in foot traffic once the ropeway becomes operational.

As the debate intensifies, the Rajasthan government faces pressure from both sides: those advocating for improved infrastructure to accommodate the influx of pilgrims and those dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and ensuring the safety of the region's wildlife.

The future of the ropeway project remains uncertain, as stakeholders continue to weigh the potential benefits against the pressing need for conservation.