The highest and longest ropeway of the country - one that connects Joshimath to Auli, has been shut down by the authorities after 30 people including staff and taxi drivers tested positive for covid. The ropeway is also an attractive tourist destination in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

A few days back, 27 people had been found covid positive in Joshimath, most of whom were employees of the company handling the ropeway's operations. According to Chamoli DM Himanshu Khurana, ropeway operation has been brought to a halt as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus. 

Health authorities of the district suspect the increase in the number of cases is due to tourists coming in from different parts of the country. Given the situation, Auli administration has decided to check all tourists for Covid-19 in the coming days. 

Auli lies at a height of 2,909 metres above sea level and can be reached by either road or ropeway. The district had been attracting visitors after a spell of heavy snowfall had left Auli picturesque white. 

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