Log Transportation by Portable Ropeways in Hill Forests of West Bengal

Abstract

Timber extraction from the inaccessible and rugged hills of West Bengal was virtually impossible only a few years back. An intensive drive for construction of all weather motorable roads in hill forests between 1955 and 1968 brought in its wake the possibilities of log-transportation by portable ropeways in conjunction with road transport. A unit of Swiss Kupfer Skyline Crane was put into operation in the upper hill forests of Kalimpong Division in 1965. This was followed by the introduction of a Czechoslovakian Cable way in the foot-hill forests in 1968. Work has also commmenced for installation of a long distance Gravity Conveyor during the current year. The Skyline logging practised so far has not only proved very economic, but has also proved its worth in clearing forests on a difficult terrain at a fast rate. Details of working of the Cableways and economics of operation have been dealt with.