Munish Sood
MANDI: In an unexpected public outburst, Kullu Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur has taken a sharp dig at his own party colleague and state Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh over the controversial Bijli Mahadev ropeway project.
At a press conference held in Kullu, Sunder Thakur accused PWD Minister Vikramaditya of doing a “childish act” by raising concerns on social media after having previously supported the project during its launch.
“When the foundation stone was laid in March, Vikramaditya Singh was right there on the stage, applauding the Centre. And now, months later, he’s asking for public opinion online? This is not leadership but political immaturity,” he remarked.
Backed by documents, Sunder Thakur hits back at critics
Carrying documents, Sunder Thakur laid out a strong defence of the ropeway initiative. He said that during the BJP-led government in 2018, the local panchayat had granted an official no-objection certificate (NOC) for the project. He also pointed out that the Bijli Mahadev Temple Committee had also approved the project with eight clear conditions, reinforcing that the ropeway was not a sudden or unilateral decision.
Criticising civil society groups and protest committees opposing the project, Sunder Thakur alleged that some were “hiding behind the name of local deities” to create fear and confusion.
“This ropeway will generate employment, promote eco-tourism and reduce pressure on the steep hiking trail. The protest is politically motivated and not rooted in facts,” he said.
Targets former MLA too, says hypocrisy at its peak
Sunder Thakur also didn’t spare former BJP MLA Maheshwar Singh, accusing him of duplicity. “Back in 2009-10, the BJP government cut over 1,300 trees in the area. In 2022, Maheshwar Singh himself promoted the ropeway project through posters. Now, he’s opposing it. This is classic political doublespeak,” he asserted.
Ropeway project: Development vs. devotion?
The Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project, a ₹150-crore initiative under the Central Government’s Parvatmala Scheme, aims to connect the revered Bijli Mahadev Temple, located at 8,000 feet, with easier and safer access for pilgrims and tourists. The trek to the temple currently involves a steep 3-km uphill climb, which becomes nearly inaccessible during winters.
Proponents say the ropeway will ease access for elderly and differently abled devotees, reduce overcrowding and ecological pressure on foot trails and boost local employment and tourism in Kullu district.
Locals, especially members of the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Sangharsh Samiti, however, claim that the project risks ecological degradation, pointing to visible cracks and land instability after the tree cutting began.
Over 200 trees, including sacred species, are being felled, threatening the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The area is spiritually sensitive and such large-scale construction near a revered shrine violates traditional norms.
Environmentalists have also raised red flags, citing the threat of landslides, water source contamination and impact on biodiversity. The recent halting of tree-felling by villagers and the growing protest campaign, including a planned demonstration on July 25, show the intensity of local resistance.
