Announcing the Prolonged Feasibility Study for the Phu Kradueng Cable Car Project
Extension granted for further cable car analysis period
After intensive deliberations, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has extended the feasibility study for the proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province - all the way up to 2027!
This decision is a significant leap forward in the government's ambition to accelerate the project.
As per DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa, the prolonged extension was granted following a meeting with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta). The department has essentially granted Dasta a two-year permit to carry out extensive research within the forested areas for the cable car project.
This expanded study period includes a feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), intricate design work, and various other necessary assessments.
If the EIA gains approval from the National Environment Board, the project is expected to garner strong support from local communities, as reported by Mr Attapol.
"All studies must be completed within the next two years," he said, "ensuring the project is ready for implementation." He further stated that the opposition to the project has dwindled and has now been overshadowed by the anticipation of additional community income.
Upon the conclusion of construction, Dasta will hand over the cable car system to the DNP, responsible for managing the operations in the future.
Visitors will be restricted to the park's daily capacity of 5,000 people, and the department plans to modernize tourism management within a 10km area of the park. Improvements include road enhancements and the introduction of shuttle bus services to major destinations.
While ecological disruption is a concern, Mr Attapol ensures that the implications will be minimal and effectively managed. As modern cable car technology only requires small forest areas for support pillar installations along the 4.4-kilometer route, the ecological footprint is expected to be controlled.
The department is also set to introduce a new tourist zone, offering a safari-like experience to observe wildlife, particularly elephants, in their natural habitats.
As Mr Attapol puts it, the cable car will become an attractive addition for tourists. "A national park thrives with the well-being of surrounding communities," he said. "We must strike a delicate balance between tourism development and environmental conservation."
Initially proposed in 2012, the project was delayed due to opposition from conservation groups apprehensive about potential ecological damage resulting from increased visitor traffic. However, with the current approach emphasizing sustainable tourism practices, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the Phu Kradueng cable car project.
Additional Insights
- The project's economic impact could significantly boost tourism in Loei Province, thereby enhancing opportunities for local communities.
- Although the cable car project poses environmental concerns, such as habitat disruption and increased tourist traffic, its impact will be minimized and managed with careful planning and sustainable tourism practices[1].
- Engaging local communities in the planning process could ensure that benefits are equitably distributed and that concerns about environmental impacts are addressed collaboratively[1].
- The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has granted the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) a two-year permit to carry out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), feasibility studies, and other necessary assessments for the cable car project within the forested areas of Phu Kradueng National Park.
- If the EIA gains approval from the National Environment Board, the cable car project is anticipated to be supported by local communities, as confirmed by DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa.
- To ensure minimal ecological disruption, modern cable car technology, with its small footprint for support pillar installations, will be utilized for the Phu Kradueng cable car project along the 4.4-kilometer route.
