UTTARKASHI: After a hold-up of over a decade, the proposition for a ropeway to the Yamunotri shrine has finally got clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF).

For the enthusiastic project, 3.8 hectares of land will now be moved and construction of the 3.7km-long (aerial range) ropeway - which will connect the Yamunotri shrine to Kharsali village - will start quickly in earnest .

The ropeway is set to decrease travel time from five hours to a mere 10 minutes.

Efforts to build a ropeway started way back in 2006.

Locals of Kharsali town likewise offered up around 1.5 hectares to the tourism department for the project.

The task remained stuck in government files for over 16 years, said Surat Rawat, a social activist.

Because of this, pilgrims and priests need to browse the difficult trek of 5km, beginning with Jankichatti, to reach the shrine.

Elderly persons and those not acclimatised to high-altitude conditions are vulnerable to developing health problems en route and there have actually fallen throughout the trek.

The ropeway will not just enhance tourist and lower travel time, however will also save lives, he added.

According to official reports, in last years Char Dham yatra, as numerous as 81 pilgrims died throughout the Yamunotri shrine expedition.

Pawan Uniyal, the priest of Yamunotri shrine, stated, Finally, our much-awaited demand is getting fulfilled.

The task will increase tourism-based employment in the area.

Rahul Chaubey, district tourist officer, stated, With MoEFs go-ahead, construction is expected to begin this summer and is arranged to be completed in 2 years .