Kerala HC Seeks MoEF Opinion on Sabarimala Ropeway Proposal

### Quick Summary
– The Kerala High Court has requested the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) to provide its stance on the proposed ropeway project at Sabarimala.
– The court acted suo motu, following findings from an advocate commission regarding the project’s feasibility and environmental concerns.
– A Bench comprising Justice V.Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar sought details about the feasibility of construction through the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
– Concerns raised include practicality, necessity, clarity regarding the route, and potential environmental impact.
– The court compared it with a cable car project in Palani where no trees were cut but noted differences with Sabarimala’s case.

### Indian Opinion Analysis
The Kerala High Court’s attention to this matter underscores a growing need for balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in ecologically sensitive areas like Sabarimala. Involving moef ensures that expert assessment on environmental feasibility is integrated into decisions about such projects. While public convenience remains vital – especially given Sabarimala’s status as a major pilgrimage site – impacts on wildlife habitats within protected areas must also be addressed thoroughly.

This case could serve as precedence for future infrastructure debates involving national reserves or heritage sites across India.It highlights how legal institutions are actively questioning practicalities alongside broader implications while emphasizing transparency around such initiatives.

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