They say they switched to ropeway as it is financially rewarding and more secure than boats.
Bhim Bahadur Bote, a local, said he switched to ropeway as boats cannot be operated throughout the year in the Bheri River.
“Operating a ropeway is more difficult than operating boats. But it can be operated throughout the year,” he said. Bote added that three boats that used to operate at Chiple have now been out of operation after the ropeway was set up.
For the locals, the ropeway is more attractive than boats due to financial returns. The boats used to fetch them Rs 2 to Rs 5 from each passenger. But then, the boats could be operated only during winter, making it difficult for the boat operators to support their family during the rainy season.
After a non-governmental organization set up a ropeway over the river, the Botes are charging Rs 10 per person. This has made it possible for a dozen families here to earn livelihood. Each family gets to operate the ropeway for two or three days every month. A family earns around Rs 3,000 per month, operating the ropeway.
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