Bijli Mahadev Ropeway, PM Modi’s Dream Project, Faces Local Ire In Kullu News24 –
Ramesh Pathania
The Bijli Mahadev Ropeway, touted as a dream project by Prime Minister Modi, is currently facing significant opposition from local residents in Kullu Valley . Shanti Devi, a resident of Thart village in Kharahal Valley, Along with her friends and relatives recently stopped a truck carrying freshly cut timber from the much-discussed ropeway project site.
This ropeway aims to facilitate access to Bijli Mahadev, a highly revered Lord Shiva temple located atop a hill in Kharahal Valley. Kullu is home to three major deities: Shree Bijli Mahadev, Goddess Hadimba in Dhungri, and Shree Jamlu Maharaj in Malana, in addition to numerous local deities and Lord Raghunath.
Local residents, who hold strong beliefs in Devastha, have expressed their discontent with the ropeway project over the past few years. Bijli Mahadev, a sacred site attracting tourists both from India and abroad, sees thousands of visitors during the month of Shravan, making it a religious pilgrimage rather than a typical tourist destination. An entrepreneur from Jawani Ropa in Ramshila, Kullu, voiced concerns, stating, “While the ropeway may alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel time, it may not ensure cleanliness and could contribute to chaos in the area because of heavy tourist movement”.
Vijay Sen, an organic farmer and long-time devotee of Bijli Mahadev Temple, shared his thoughts: “This project could benefit the tourism sector and ease the traffic on the winding road leading to Thart, but it would undoubtedly tarnish the sanctity of this sacred site. If it must be built, it should be at least 900 meters away from the temple, with strict regulations in place.” PM Modi highlighted the Bijli Mahadev ropeway during a public meeting in Kullu on November 5, 2017. However, local protests have erupted against this initiative. The Bijli Mahadev Ropway Virodh Sangharsh Samiti organized a protest on the 25 of July that drew over six thousand people from kullu district , the protest started from Shangri Bagh in Ramshila to the Kullu Deputy Commissioner’s office. Villagers arrived by various means, voicing slogans like “No Ropeway” and “Ropeway Company Go Back.”
Local political figures, including Maheshwer Singh from the Bhartiya Janata Party, addressed the gathered protesters. Ram Singh, a local leader who had remained silent for a few years after changing parties and losing the 2022 legislative elections, has joined the protest to maintain relevance in the political landscape. In contrast, local MLA Sunder Singh Thakur is committed to the success of the project, claiming in a press conference that he possesses all necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from village panchayats. When questioned about the ongoing conflict over the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway project during a press conference in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu admitted to being unaware of the situation in Kullu. Local residents argue that the construction of the ropeway will jeopardize their livelihoods, particularly affecting those who operate shops, dhabas (roadside eateries), hotels, and restaurants along the 20-kilometer route from Kullu via Ramshila.
Additionally, they express concerns over environmental damage, as trees have already been cut down, benefiting the corporation while harming local employment. Protests against the ropeway have occurred multiple times. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Bijli Mahadev ropeway, which is expected to cost ₹283 crore, was recently held with the presence of former MP Maheshwar Singh, who continues to oppose the project. Notably, he was invited by the company overseeing the project and aimed to engage with officials to express his opposition.
Vinendra Jambal, the caretaker of Lord Bijli Mahadev, stated, “We are against the Bijli Mahadev ropeway. We have already met with Union Ministers twice in Delhi, and Maheshwar Singh was with us during those meetings.” A former soldier from Puid village expressed a similar sentiment, questioning the necessity of the ropeway. “There is already a road to Thart Village, followed by a Three-kilometer trail through beautiful conifer forests. Why do we need a ropeway? We’ve seen how such projects at religious sites have failed, as the local deity does not desire disruptions to its peace and sanctity,” he said. Concerns also extend to potential applications for constructing hotels and resorts near this sacred site, known for its uniqueness.
The ropeway, which will originate at Pirdi and connect Bijli Mahadev in less than 10 minutes, . People are ready to go to great lengths to stop this project, which is against the will of their deity.