Katra Bandh: Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Committee Protests Against Rs 250 Cr Ropeway Project

Katra, December 25:

Katra Bandh: The Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Committee has called for 72-hour bandh from today Wednesday in Katra even while intensifying protest in favour of the ropeway project worth Rs 250 crores near Vaishno Devi shrine. It happens even after a complete shutterdown on December 18 at Katra when local trade persons along with service providers went onto strike to protest against the proposal.

The committee argues that the proposed ropeway project, approved by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of local traders, laborers, and service providers dependent on the traditional pilgrimage route.

Katra Bandh: Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Committee Protests

The ropeway, which is estimated at Rs 250 crore will make the journey much simpler for pilgrims, thereby greatly relieving the people who cannot trek the daunting 13 km. For it will reduce travel to six minutes, and thus the project is expected to be completed by December of 2026.

However, the local stakeholders have argued that the project will divert the pilgrims away from the traditional trekking routes and adversely affect businesses and services like pony rides, palanquins, and roadside shops, which are dependent on the footfall of devotees. The committee has called for the shelving of the project to protect the livelihoods of thousands in the region.

Demonstrations have been going on since November 25, as tensions ran high, when pony and palanquin owners, along with residents, hurled stones at the police during demonstrations. The authorities have been put on high alert to take control of the situation. SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, said, “People have been demonstrating here for the last three days, and we are trying to handle the situation. Hope normalcy will be established soon.”

The committee had temporarily called off their strike until December 23 after a discussion with the district administration. However, no resolution seems to be in sight and they have resumed their protests, which has led to the current 72-hour bandh.

The protests have disallowed pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine to access their services. Several pilgrims were told to prepare for potential inconveniences. The protesters are advising travelers to either postpone their plans or find alternative arrangements during the bandh period. Authorities are appealing to the protesters to hold dialogue over the grievances that will allow pilgrim services to operate smoothly.

The protests over the ropeway on Jammu Tawi Riverfront Project have not seen a word from Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who recently reviewed the under-construction project. The discussions between the Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Committee and the administration continue, and the coming days are expected to see developments in this regard. As the situation remains fluid, stakeholders and pilgrims wait for a resolution of this contentious project that has divided opinions in the region.