Study on cable car system granted extended duration of two more years
A Fresh Take:
Listen up, folks! The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has given the green light for a two-year extension on the feasibility study of the cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, moving forward with the government's tourism development plan.
Following a meeting with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), the DNP Director-General, Attapol Charoenchansa, announced they're giving Dasta a two-year permit to conduct necessary studies for the cable car project within the forested areas. This extension covers the feasibility study, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and detailed design work.
The EIA, if approved by the National Environment Board, will pave the way for project implementation, with significant local support, as per Mr Attapol. All studies must be completed within the two-year period to ensure the project's readiness.
The extension is a breath of fresh air, as Mr Attapol revealed that resistance to the project has lessened, with hopes of increased community income driving local support. Once construction is finished, the cable car system will be handed over to the DNP for management.
To limit visitor numbers, park capacity is set at 5,000 people per day. Acknowledging potential ecological disruption, Mr Attapol stated that modern cable car technology would require minimal forest impact, with just small areas to install support pillars along the 4.4-kilometer route.
On the horizon, the DNP is preparing to open a new zone offering safari-like experiences and opportunities for elephant sightings in their natural habitat. Mr Attapol noted that the cable car would be a new tourist attraction, stressing the importance of balancing tourism development with environmental conservation.
The project was first proposed in 2012 but ran into delays due to conservation groups' concerns about potential ecological damage from increased visitor traffic. With the two-year extension in the books, it's full steam ahead, folks, with Dasta tasked with overseeing the project's design and EIA, funded by a budget of 25.7 million baht.
While opposition from conservation groups continues, the DNP remains focused on finding a balance between tourism growth and ecological preservation, with hopes to create sustainable development opportunities for the nearby communities. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this exciting project!
Haters gonna hate, but the DNP is moving forward with the cable car project, armed with a plan for minimal environmental disruption and a focus on sustainable tourism and community support. See ya later, alligator!
Insights:- The cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, initially proposed in 2012, is now moving forward, secured by a two-year extension.- The project is funded by a 25.7 million baht budget allocated to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), which is responsible for overseeing the project.- Modern cable car technology will limit forest impact as only small areas will be utilized for installing support pillars along the planned 4.4-kilometer route.- The project will be divided into two phases, with initial cable car construction followed by development of service facilities, including accommodations for elderly tourists.- Public opposition has somewhat eased, while conservation groups still express concerns about natural serenity, biodiversity loss, and potential infrastructure creep.- The DNP emphasizes the importance of balancing tourism development with environmental and community benefits, a reflection of their efforts to maintain ecosystem conservation alongside tourism growth.
The cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, initially proposed in 2012 and delayed due to concerns about ecological damage, is now moving forward with the integration of modern cable car technology to limit forest impact. This project, funded by a 25.7 million baht budget, is a step towards sustainable tourism development, balancing the needs of the community and the preservation of the park's ecosystem.
With the extension of the feasibility study period, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) will oversee the project's design and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), highlighting the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's (DNP) commitment to minimizing environmental disruption.
