TNR Ground Report: Locals oppose damage to mountains in name of development
Munish Sood
Kullu:
The revered Bijli Mahadev Temple, perched high in the Himalayan ranges of Himachal Pradesh, has become the epicentre of a growing storm. What was once a sacred symbol of devotion and ecological balance is now witnessing widespread unrest over a controversial ropeway project that many say threatens both the sanctity of the shrine and the delicate mountain ecology.
On Friday (July 25, 2025), thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Kullu, raising their voices against the construction of the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project, which is backed entirely by the central government and touted as one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream projects.
Women, youth, elders and religious committees turned out in large numbers, marching from Shangribagh and Ramshila to the District Collector’s office, shouting slogans like “Har Har Mahadev” and “Ropeway Company Go Back”. Many held placards reading “We will stop the ropeway”, an unambiguous message to the authorities.
Despite calls for a market shutdown, local shops in Kullu remained open. But tension in the air was palpable, with a heavy police deployment shadowing the protest. Veteran BJP leader Maheshwar Singh joined the agitation, indicating that the resistance has cut across political lines.
Ecological and cultural concerns mount
Amid official statements suggesting that the temple was closed to devotees, the TNR team visited Bijli Mahadev temple during the height of the crisis. Contrary to administrative claims, we found the temple open, with a steady stream of devotees climbing the arduous three-hour trek to offer their prayers.
While the entrance inside the sanctum sanctorum was being restricted at times, devotees were seen paying their respects outside the main shrine, lighting incense sticks and chanting hymns with unwavering faith. The mood on the mountain was spiritual but tinged with anxiety.
“We will protect this sacred site with our lives,” said Savitri Devi, a local woman who had trekked up to participate in a silent sit-in near the temple. “They cut down hundreds of trees without telling us. Now cracks have begun appearing near the temple ground. What kind of development is this?”
Ropeway to cut three-hour trek to just seven-minute journey
Locals allege that widespread deforestation was undertaken for ropeway construction, leading to cracks in the land near the temple, raising questions about geological stability. The Struggle Committee Against the Ropeway, the Bijli Mahadev Temple Committee and various NGOs are now demanding a complete rollback of the project.
The proposed ropeway, which would stretch 2.3 km from Nature Park (Mohal) to a point 900 metres below the temple, is designed to cut the traditional three-hour trek to just seven minutes. Officials claim it will offer “all-weather access” and handle 36,000 pilgrims daily. But locals argue this would commercialise a sacred experience, robbing the yatra of its spiritual discipline.
The project, valued at Rs 226 crore, is fully funded by the central government. While aimed at boosting tourism and infrastructure, it has drawn criticism from environmentalists, religious bodies and even celebrities. Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut had earlier voiced her opposition, citing “irreversible damage to nature and heritage”.
