FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Govt agencies support Phu Kradueng cable-car project

Govt agencies support Phu Kradueng cable-car project

MOST STATE agencies have agreed on the proposal to build cable cars to Phu Kradueng National Park, but want the project to strictly follow relevant laws as well as conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The decision on the Phu Kradueng cable-car project was disclosed to the Cabinet yesterday, with the majority on the government side supporting the plan. However, the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and other opposition groups objected, saying it will be in conflict with the management principles of the natural preserve.
The ministries of Tourism and Sports, Transport, Interior and the Office of the National Economics and Social Develop-ment Board have all approved the report on the project.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry reasoned that the project would boost tourism revenue, create jobs for locals and enhance the local economy.
However, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry suggested that an environmental impact assessment be conducted if the project is given a green light because the proposed site of the project would pass through the first-class watershed area.
The Budget Bureau also said that agencies responsible for the project should clarify their budget plan and disclose the source of the funds properly.
The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and the opposition group, meanwhile, reasoned that the cable car would go against the real intentions of travelling to Phu Kradueng in Loei province and would go against the management of the natural preserve.
They also said that it was not economically worthwhile and would not really create work for the locals.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet acknowledged the report on the project, for which a feasibility study had been ordered in 2012.
According to the report, which was led by Chulalongkorn University under a budget of Bt23 million from the Budget Bureau, the cable car line will be 4.4 kilometres long.
Both the departure station and terminus will be within the national park, as it will carry passengers from the foot of the mountain to the top.
The report put the total cost of the project at Bt633.89 million. It also said that the cable car used will be the eight-seater Mono Cable Detachable Gondola, which can withstand wind speeds of up to 20 metres per second. This is far higher than the average wind speed in the national park.
 

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