Has there been any adverse impact on the tourism sector in Himachal because of the anti-ski village protests?
No. There is tremendous interest in the project both at the national and international level. All eyes are on the ski village as it will demonstrate the government's capacity and will to implement the project. It's a test case.
Has Himalayan Ski Village Pvt. Ltd, the developer of the ski village, been given exclusive rights over water resources?
This is totally incorrect. The project developer can draw 1,100 kilolitres of water daily but it must first obtain an NOC from the local panchayat and the state irrigation and public health departments. This is a condition imposed by the state Cabinet.
It is reported that the developer plans to make artificial snow.
This is again incorrect. There will be no artificial creation of snow as there is no such clause. For skiing throughout the year, there is perpetual snow at a height of 12,000 ft and above; for skiing at 10,000 ft, there is snow for six to seven months.
The government has approved the detailed project report. What about the environment impact assessment and environment management plan?
The DPR and EIA/EMP are separate reports. Unless the DPR is approved, no financier will touch the project. While the DPR studies the financial and physical components, the EIA flags environment issues and the EMP gives the prescription for tackling those issues. The EIA is being prepared by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, and the EMP is being prepared by TERI, both reputed institutes. These have to be submitted by the end of this month.
Are you talking to the villagers?
We are having a continuous dialogue with them. The local residents of the panchayat (where the project is coming up) are more or less satisfied.
What about rehabilitation?
There is no question of rehabilitation as there is zero displacement. The project will come up on a total area of 76 hectares of private land. The developer will purchase the land; the government will not interfere. About 16 hectares is forest land; it is not agricultural land and there are no habitations. Ninety per cent of the land will be used as right-of-way, for the gondolas to pass or for erecting pylons. There will be no restrictions on people or grazing.