PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Jyotirmath
Despite winter having already set in, the ropeway service connecting the internationally famed winter tourism destination, Auli remains suspended. Notably, the service was suspended in January 2023 following a massive landslide that struck Jyotirmath. This is the time when tourists from both India and abroad arrive in large numbers. In the absence of the ropeway service, they reach Auli by driving on the single-lane road which sees frequent traffic jams.
The locals and those who eke out their living through tourism-related activities lament that Auli which lure skiers and snowboarders from across the world has been grappling with formidable challenges. They cite the road to Auli remaining closed during snowfall, ascribing the swindling tourist footfall to it. They further say that no initiative has been taken either to widen the motor road or to resume the long-suspended ropeway service.
Articulating anguish over the authorities’ apathy, a local tourism expert, Santosh Kunwar said that despite flaunting Auli’s tremendous tourism potential, they are doing nothing to help the tourists reach this place unhindered by challenges. “The road remains single-track and the ropeway service remains suspended for close to two years. This is indeed pathetic,” he rued.
