Highlights-
- PM Modi Announces ‘Parvat Mala’ Plan To Boost Security In India’s Hilly Regions.
- The ‘Parvat Mala’ initiative would also improve connectivity and encourage tourism in hilly areas.
Recently the Union Budget was launched by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman. The Union Budget 2022-23 aims to focus on infrastructure and connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed citizens after the Budget was introduced in Parliament, calling it a pro-people budget that addressed contemporary challenges impacting all areas of society.
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of the ‘Parvat Mala’ scheme for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K, and the northeast to facilitate a modern system of transportation and connectivity in the hills.
He emphasised the North-East states’ infrastructure push, adding that it will aid in preventing locals from fleeing for jobs, addressing national security problems, and promoting tourism in the hilly regions
Aims to expand contemporary ways of transportation in mountainous areas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Parvat Mala’ initiative, unveiled after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s presentation of the Union Budget 2022. The scheme has the potential to be a ‘gamechanger’ in the hill states. The major goal of this initiative is to expand contemporary ways of transportation in mountainous areas with severe topographical conditions.
In tough hilly terrain, the project will be seen as a preferred environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional highways. In PPP mode, it will be taken up. The goal is to improve commuter connectivity and convenience while also encouraging tourism.
Ropeway access to rural places
The National Ropeway Development Program under ‘Parvat Mala’ will provide ropeway access to rural places. In her budget speech, Sitharaman stated that in the coming fiscal year, eight 60-kilometer ropeways will be created in the hill states.
Ray of hope for Uttrakhand
Although the project’s details are still unknown, it is being portrayed as a glimmer of hope for Uttarakhand. The plan is expected to reach rural communities in Chamoli, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi districts, where over 1600 villages have become “ghost villages.”
Experts believe that this project will give the settlements in the mountains and near the border a fresh lease on life. Uttarakhand is also getting a ray of optimism, with news that the world’s largest ropeway will be installed in Kedarnath in December.
Uttarakhand’s ropeway project!
In Uttarakhand, three ropeway projects are now under construction:
- 12 km ropeway from Ranibagh to Hanuman Garhi in Nainital
- 8.8 km ropeway from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- 12 km ropeway from Govindghat to Ghangaria
“Ropeway under mountain range will enhance tourism, I believe it will also generate revenue and improve local transportation,” says Mahendra Kunwar, a ropeway advocate and agriculture specialist. Anil Baluni, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, stated, “Parvat Mala, it should be noted, would be an important project for promoting organic farming along the Ganga’s banks.”
