Protests in Katra over Rs 250-crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project

The Vyapar Mandal in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is set to stage a protest on Wednesday against the approval of the Rs 250-crore ropeway project for the Vaishno Devi temple.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has greenlit the installation of a ropeway designed to ease access for senior citizens, children, and others unable to trek the 13-km route to the temple. The ropeway will begin at Tarakot Marg and end at Sanjichat, allowing pilgrims to cover the journey in just six to seven minutes.

However, the Vyapar Mandal has raised concerns that the ropeway’s construction will bypass key religious stops, such as Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkuwari, potentially disrupting business for local shopkeepers along the traditional path to the temple. Additionally, operators of ponies and palkis (palanquins) have voiced objections to the project, prompting plans for a protest.

This isn’t the first demonstration by the local community. In November, shopkeepers protested for four days against the project, during which tensions flared and stones were thrown at police. The then-District Magistrate, Vishesh Pal Mahajan, visited the area and assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed by December 15. However, Mahajan's transfer soon followed, and shopkeepers suspect that his decision to delay the ropeway project was a factor in his reassignment.

In response to the ongoing controversy, shops in Katra will remain closed on Wednesday as part of the protest, with local residents backing the strike. Additionally, all political parties in the region, except the BJP, have come together to support the action.

Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, defended the ropeway project, emphasizing that it is intended to assist elderly and ailing devotees in reaching the temple. He assured that the temple administration is committed to addressing the concerns of Katra's residents.