Study on cable car operation granted extension of two additional years
Revised Article:
The gondola ride dream for Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province is being given a solid push, with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) extending the feasibility study for two years. This decision comes after a powwow with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta).
The DNP boss, Attapol Charoenchansa, has announced that Dasta gets a two-year pass to explore the park's dense forests for the cable car project. This longer timeline covers all the essential tests, like a feasibility study, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and detailed drawings.
If the EIA gets the nod from the National Environment Board, the project will hit the ground running with ample backing from the locals, according to Attapol. "We aim to finish all studies in two years and kickstart construction," he said. "We've noticed a shift in public opinion – there's less opposition, and instead, we see community support fuelled by hopes of increased income."
Once construction is complete, Dasta will hand over the reins to the DNP to manage operations. Visitor numbers will be capped at the park's daily capacity of 5,000 people.
While some ecological disruption is inevitable, Attapol insists that modern cable car tech will disrupt only minor parts of the forest, with support pillars along the 4.4-kilometer route. The department's vision includes tourist management improvements within a 10-kilometer park area, incorporating road enhancements and shuttle bus services to critical spots.
With the extended study period, the department is looking at introducing a new zone featuring safari-style attractions and the chance to spot elephants in their natural habitat.
"The cable car could be a tourism magnet," states Attapol. "A national park isn't sustainable without supporting the local communities. We need to find a balance between tourism and conservation."
The cable car concept was proposed in 2012, but progress was stalled due to concerns about potential ecological damage from heightened tourist traffic.
Incorporating Enrichment Data:- The project is currently focusing on design and ecological studies, with Dasta mulling over cable car models and likely opting for a single tower design to minimize forest floor impact.- The proposed cable car route stretches approximately 3 kilometers, starting at Pha Mak Dook.- The project comprises two phases: the first focuses on the cable car construction, estimated to cost around a billion baht, and the second concentrates on facility upgrades like accommodations for senior tourists and potentially a small-scale electric train on top of the mountain.- Potential add-ons include electric buggies for tourists and safari tours along restricted roads due to elephant zones.
Technology and sports could be introduced as new attractions in the extended study period for the cable car project in Phu Kradueng National Park. The department might consider incorporating sporting facilities for visitors, such as a hiking trail equipped with fitness stations, or digital interactive stations showcasing the park's flora and fauna using cutting-edge technology. Some ideas for enriching the visitor experience could include virtual reality experiences to replicate the park's ecosystem or augmented reality games that encourage exploration and education about the park's biodiversity.
