J&K seeks NIA nod for site survey of Pahalgam gondola project

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking permission to conduct topographical and geo-technical studies for the proposed 1.4 km-long Gondola project at the Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir.

The project has remained on hold since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The NIA is currently investigating the incident, and access to the site remains restricted.

The issue came up during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani asked about the current status of the project through an unstarred question.

In a written reply, the Tourism Department, through the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), said that the alignment of the gondola route had already been identified. “The lower terminal point is located near Yatri Niwas at Pahalgam, while the upper terminal point is at Baisaran. The total length of the project is 1.4 km, and 9.13 hectares of land required for it belongs to the Forest Department,” the reply stated.

The department added that tenders for engaging a consultant to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and related documents had already been floated and finalised. The work was subsequently allotted to a qualified agency.

“However, the agency could not begin its assignment due to restrictions imposed after the Pahalgam terror attack,” the department said. “The agency has now sought permission to visit the site for conducting topographical and geo-technical studies.”

Accordingly, the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, advised the JKCCC to approach the NIA for permission to access the site. “The matter has been formally taken up with the National Investigation Agency,” the department confirmed, adding that once the permission is granted, the consultant will immediately resume work on the project.

The Tourism Department reiterated that the JKCCC remains committed to completing the DPR preparation and subsequent stages of the project once security clearance is obtained.