Ropeway Project in Kodagu Revived Despite Environmental Concerns

Ropeway project first proposed in 2012 at the Kodagu Investors Meet, the project is now gaining momentum.(Representative image.)

Somwarpet: Despite opposition from local environmental activists, the long-discussed ropeway-cable car project in Kodagu district is moving forward, with plans now centred around Mallalli Waterfalls in Somwarpet Taluk.

Initially proposed in 2012 during the Investors Meet organised by the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce in Madikeri, the project has now gained momentum.

During the investors' summit, stakeholders explored the feasibility of a cable car system near Mallalli Waterfalls. Now, over a decade later, the government has appointed business consultants to oversee the project, and preliminary work orders have been issued. Confirming this development, the Tourism Minister stated that the initiative is progressing towards implementation.

Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda affirmed the project’s approval, stating, “The government has sanctioned the cable car project, and business consultants will soon visit Mallalli to finalise the plan.”

Direct link between Mallalli and Subrahmanya:

According to sources, two companies have already expressed interest in investing in the initiative. If executed successfully, the ropeway will provide a direct link between Mallalli and Subrahmanya, significantly cutting down travel time to just 30 minutes. The necessary land for the project has already been acquired, and essential clearances have been secured from the concerned authorities.

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To ensure a steady power supply for the cable car, a dedicated power plant capable of generating 15 to 20 megawatts of electricity will be established in Mallalli. The infrastructure will include the construction of pillars along the route from Mallalli to Subrahmanya to support the ropeway system.

Activists continue to voice concerns:

However, environmental activists continue to voice concerns. Colonel CP Muthanna, among others, has opposed the project, citing the adverse impact of tourism on Kodagu’s delicate ecosystem. He stressed the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty and warned that the initiative could lead to deforestation and ecological damage.

As the project advances, a debate between development and conservation intensifies, with supporters highlighting the economic benefits while conservationists call for measures to protect Kodagu’s fragile environment.

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