Extension granted for comprehensive analysis of cable car project duration.
Title: Thailand Gears Up for Phu Kradueng Cable Car Project After Securing Two-Year Study Extension
Things are gearing up at Thailand's Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has granted a two-year extension for the feasibility study of the proposed cable car project.
The extension is part of the government's plan to give the project a much-needed push.
In an exclusive revelation, DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa spilled the beans about the decision following a recent meeting with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta). The department has given Dasta a two-year permit to carry out thorough studies within the forested areas for the cable car project.
The extended two years will cover every critical aspect, including a detailed feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and architectural designs.
If the EIA gets the green light from the National Environment Board, the project is expected to move ahead with robust support from local communities, as per Mr. Attapol's predictions.
"All studies should be completed within two years to ensure the project is ready for implementation," he said. "We've noticed a significant drop in opposition and a growing tide of local support, fueled by hopes of increased income generation."
He further added that once construction is finished, Dasta will hand over the cable car system to the DNP to manage.
Visitor numbers will be restricted to the park's daily capacity of 5,000 people.
While acknowledging the potential for ecological disturbance, Mr. Attapol stated that the impact would be minimal and manageable. Modern cable car technology requires only small parts of the forest for installing support pillars along the planned 4.4-kilometer route.
To manage tourism better within a 10-kilometer area of the park, the department plans to upgrade roads and introduce shuttle bus services between key destinations.
Looking ahead, the department is set to unveil a new tourist zone featuring safari-like scenery and a chance to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat.
"The cable car will serve as a magnet for tourists," the DNP chief said. "A national park cannot flourish without supporting its surrounding communities. We must strike the right balance between tourism development and environmental preservation."
The project was first proposed back in 2012 but faced numerous delays due to concerns from conservation groups regarding potential ecological damage from increased visitor traffic.
Enrichment Data:
- Study Scope & Timeline: The extension enables comprehensive evaluation of environmental and operational factors, including a feasibility study, EIA, and detailed design specifications.
- Community & Environmental Factors: Opposition has reduced significantly, and local communities support the project for anticipated economic benefits. The cable car project hinges on the EIA receiving approval from the National Environment Board. Once constructed, the DNP will manage the cable car system.
- Tourism & Capacity: The project aims to encourage sustainable tourism while limiting daily visitors to 5,000 people. Proponents argue the cable car could mitigate hiking-related environmental damage by offering an alternative access route.
- The Two-Year Permit for the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) will cover assessments such as a detailed feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and architectural designs for the cable car project within the forested areas of Phu Kradueng National Park.
- If approved by the National Environment Board, the Phu Kradueng cable car project is anticipated to move ahead with strong community support, as local residents expect increased income generation from the venture.
- Modern cable car technology, which requires only small sections of the forest for installing support pillars, is being cited as a more sustainable access solution to the park, potentially minimizing the ecological impact from increased visitor traffic.
