A Sacred Hill, A Modern Ropeway: A Himalayan Town’s Heated Debate

In the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, a conflict is unfolding over a project meant to ease a pilgrim’s journey. What began as a plan to build a ropeway to the revered Bijli Mahadev temple is now a complex clash of faith, environment, and politics.

For generations, devotees have trekked a challenging 4-kilometer path up a steep hillside to pay their respects at the shrine. The climb, while spiritually significant, is particularly difficult for the elderly. For decades, the community has asked for an easier way up, and the state government has now answered by starting work on a ropeway from Pirdi. This modern convenience would cut the travel time from hours to minutes, offering a significant relief to thousands.

However, as construction began, a strong wave of opposition emerged. A group of locals formed the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti (Struggle Committee) to protest the project. They have held demonstrations and even called for a market shutdown in Kullu.

Their concerns are deeply felt. Ram Singh, a leader of the committee, explains that their opposition is rooted in faith and environmental care.

“A sudden influx of visitors brought by the ropeway could compromise the sanctity and cleanliness of the shrine, which is central to our religious feelings,” he says. Furthermore, the committee highlights the environmental cost: “To build this, 203 trees, including 70 sacred deodars, are to be cut down. In a region already battling natural disasters, protecting our environment is crucial.”

The group even sought divine guidance through the temple oracle, but the committee of priests, the Kardar Sangh, has since distanced itself from the protests.

On the other side of the debate is Kullu’s MLA, Sunder Singh Thakur. He firmly believes the ropeway is a necessary step forward. He sees it as a blessing for devotees who struggle with the climb and a potential boost for local tourism and the economy.

Caught in the middle, many residents observe that the heated debate feels less about the issues and more like a political feud between rival leaders, turning a community matter into a game of one-upmanship.

With the two sides at an impasse, the Sangharsh Samiti is taking its fight beyond the mountains. They have planned a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, hoping to bring national attention to their struggle to protect their sacred hill.