India's first wildlife skywalk will come up in Maenam wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim.
The state government had proposed to build a 22 kilometer rope-way from Maenam sanctuary to the skywalk to be built beyond on the edge of Bhalleydhunga steep face with rain shelter and public conveniences.
The sanctuary, about 65 kms south from the capital city of Gangtok, is a popular tourist destination.
The environment ministry has approved the Sikkim government proposal for Rs.500 crore skywalk — similar to one in Grand Canyon in north America, which attracts over 3,00,000 visitors a year —despite opposition from wild-lifers.
MK Ranjisinh, member of national board for wildlife, said that the state instead of allowing encroachment of a wildlife area should allow people to take a walk in the wilderness areas.
Another member Prerna Singh Bindra, while opposing the project, said the project would have more deleterious effect on the wildlife.