6 killed as wire of cargo ropeway snaps at Pavagadh Hill temple in Gujarat

Fast Summary:

• Six people died after a cargo ropeway cable snapped at the Pavagadh Hill temple in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district.
• The incident was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat, with police and fire brigade teams conducting rescue and relief operations.
• The pilgrimage site is situated at an altitude of around 800 meters, with visitors either climbing approximately 2000 steps or using cable cars to reach the temple.
• Officials mentioned that the public-access ropeway had been shut earlier in the day due to inclement weather conditions.
• Pavagadh Hill features a notable temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, attracting about 2.5 million visitors annually.

indian Opinion Analysis:

The tragedy highlights critical safety concerns surrounding infrastructure used at highly frequented religious sites like the Pavagadh Hill temple. While weather-related precautions were taken by shutting down the public ropeway earlier that day, incidents involving maintenance or operational lapses in cargo systems raise questions about regulatory oversight for such facilities. Further investigation into this accident is essential not only for accountability but also for improving protocols to ensure visitor safety during such high-stakes pilgrimages.

For a site visited by millions annually, balancing modernization efforts with robust safety measures is paramount to sustaining faith and trust among pilgrims while mitigating risks tied closely to geographical challenges.

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