The government had sought the consent of the NIA, which is probing the attack by Pakistani terrorists.
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has given clearance to the Jammu and Kashmir government for the construction of a Rs 120 crore cable car project at Baisaran in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed in a brutal terrorist attack on 22 April that led to the ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan.
The government had sought the consent of the NIA, which is probing the attack by Pakistani terrorists.
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Officials said on Sunday that the approval of the NIA has come for building the project that aims to boost tourism in Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during the recently concluded autumn session of the Assembly, while replying to a question of the Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, confirmed that permission has been sought from the NIA for the project.
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He said the project has been allotted to a company, but the work could not start “in view of the post-Pahalgam scenario”.
Omar said the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has identified the route for the 1.4-km-long project connecting Yatri Niwas in Pahalgam with the scenic Baisaran meadow, also known as Mini Switzerland.
He said the project, spread over 9.13 hectares of forest land, is estimated to cost between Rs 100 and Rs 120 crore and is expected to be completed within 18 months once the work begins.
The JKCCC had floated tenders to hire a consultant for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and other documents. After a competitive bidding process, the work was allotted to Ronmas India Pvt Ltd, and an agreement was signed.
The company has not been able to carry out topographical and geotechnical studies at the site due to restrictions after the Pahalgam attack. The Tourism Department has now approached the NIA for the required clearance so that the work can start on the project.
Once complete, the cable car will boost tourism in Pahalgam by providing an easy and scenic ride to Baisaran. The project aims to revive confidence among tourists and locals after the deadly attack that dealt a severe blow to the area’s tourism economy.
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