Jammu: The serene hills of Katra, the base camp for the revered Vaishno Devi temple pilgrimage, have become the site of a major protest against a planned Rs 250-crore ropeway project. The protest, organised by the Vyapar Mandal (trade association) and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, brought Katra to a standstill on Wednesday.
The protest impacted the travel plans of thousands of devotees and escalated tensions between local businesses and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. “If the Katra ropeway is not closed, our protest will turn violent, the responsibility for which will be on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board administration,” the Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti said.
Why are locals protesting?
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The crux of the issue lies in the proposed ropeway, designed to facilitate easier access to the temple for the elderly, children and those with mobility challenges. The ropeway, slated to run from Tarakot Marg to Sanjichat, would significantly reduce travel time to just six to seven minutes, bypassing the traditional 13-km trek. However, this shortcut is the source of intense opposition from local stakeholders.
Shopkeepers along the traditional route, including those at key stops like Banganga, Charan Paduka and Adhkuwari, fear a “drastic reduction” in foot traffic and consequential economic losses. Their concerns are echoed by pony and palanquin operators, whose livelihoods are directly tied to the pilgrimage route. This economic anxiety has fuelled widespread protests, including a four-day demonstration in late November.
Except BJP other parties support protest
The situation was further exacerbated by the transfer of the then District Magistrate, Vishesh Pal Mahajan, who had intervened to temporarily halt the project until December 15th. This transfer has led to speculation that the suspension was a contributing factor to his transfer. The current protest, backed by most political parties except the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is far more pronounced, with shops remaining closed in Katra and a strong call for the project’s abandonment.
What is the purpose of ropeway?
The Shrine Board, however, maintains that the ropeway’s primary purpose is to enhance accessibility for devotees with limited mobility. CEO Anshul Garg emphasized the Board’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Katra residents. Despite this assurance, the protesters remain adamant.
