How ₹300 crore project united political rivals in J&K
What's the story
A proposed ₹300 crore ropeway project in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked widespread opposition, uniting political rivals.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, plans to connect Katra town with Sanjichhat on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
However, local resistance led by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti argues this development could adversely affect local businesses and workers.
Unwavering opposition
Protests and political support against ropeway project
The protests against the proposed ropeway project have entered the seventh day, with Katra observing a shutdown.
Political leaders across party lines have extended their support to the protesters.
J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Baldev Raj Sharma were among those who addressed the protesters on Sunday, stressing that development shouldn't come at the cost of livelihoods.
Concerns raised
Project's impact on local livelihoods and sacred sites
Former minister Ajay Nanda had also raised concerns over the project displacing 40,000 people from their jobs.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti had also met protest leaders last month, expressing concerns over commercializing sacred sites.
"There is a growing and worrying trend of converting sacred pilgrimage sites into commercial tourist attractions," she said.
Economic impact
Strike affects businesses in Katra
Katra town, which is a base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and draws 35,000-40,000 visitors daily, has been worst hit by the ongoing strike.
Many hotels and businesses have been affected as shops and eateries remain shut while services like mules and palkiwalas are suspended.
The town's bustling atmosphere has turned deserted due to these closures.
Official stance
L-G Sinha's response to the protests
Responding to the protests, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said the ropeway construction is in accordance with National Green Tribunal directives for phased withdrawal of mules from the old yatra track.
He assured pilgrim traffic on existing routes would remain unaffected as tickets have to be purchased in Katra town.
To allay fears, Sinha has formed a four-member committee including former DGP Ashok Bhan, retired judge Suresh Sharma, shrine board CEO Anshul Garg and Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar.