Bijli Mahadev ropeway faces fresh scrutiny as work stays suspended

Proceedings in the Bijli Mahadev ropeway case shifted significantly after Ravi Infrabuild Private Ltd, recently added as a respondent, appeared before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on November 27. Representing the company, Deputy Manager Girish informed the NGT that construction on the controversial ropeway has been halted. He requested a week’s additional time to file a detailed reply, prompting the Tribunal to list the matter for its next hearing on December 9.

The sacred hill under strain

• The Bijli Mahadev ropeway represents more than a transport link. It has become a test case for balancing infrastructure ambitions with ecological fragility and cultural identity
• Villagers fear irreversible damage after extensive tree-felling and reports of land subsidence, while religious bodies warn against disturbing sacred sites. Political actors across parties are treading cautiously as local anger grows
• With the NGT now closely examining every aspect, the project’s future hinges on whether development can proceed without compromising environmental and spiritual heritage

The proposed ropeway, designed to connect Pirdi to the revered Bijli Mahadev shrine, has remained mired in conflict for years. Despite resistance from local communities and environmental activists, the company’s machinery reached the Pirdi base station in September 2024, signalling the start of on-ground work. Tensions escalated in December 2024 after the Union Environment Ministry exempted all ropeway projects from mandatory forest clearance. Locals feared the exemption would pave the way for unchecked ecological damage in a fragile region.

Their fears were reinforced when 72 green deodar trees were felled in July, an act that triggered widespread protests. Residents noted that the full proposal involved cutting 203 trees. Soon after the felling, villagers reported land subsidence across the sacred hill, with fresh cracks appearing, intensifying concerns about geological instability.

Cultural and religious sentiments added another layer to the opposition. On October 31, a Jagati, an assembly of local deities, convened in Naggar. The deities collectively opposed any activity that could disturb sacred areas, warning that ignoring these concerns could have profound spiritual and social consequences.

Political mobilisation has also taken shape. On November 3, former MP Maheshwar Singh led a delegation, including members of the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti and the temple committee, to present grievances before a panel headed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

Meanwhile, Kullu resident Nachiketa Sharma approached the NGT through advocate Ajay Marwah, followed by a separate petition from the temple committee. Consequently, notices were issued to the MoEFCC, NHLML, the state government, Forest Department, Pollution Control Board and the Kullu Deputy Commissioner. During the October 17 hearing, the state Advocate General clarified that the project is being executed solely by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited and that the state government has granted no environmental clearances.

Political leaders have since moderated their stance. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said public sentiment would guide his position. Protests have persisted despite setbacks, including the cancellation of a planned Jantar Mantar demonstration due to a natural calamity. Former HPMC vice-chairman Ram Singh also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JP Nadda, raising concerns on behalf of villagers.

The Rs 284-crore, 2.4-km ropeway remains at the centre of a tug-of-war between development goals and community concerns, an issue intensified by the shrine’s personal significance to Prime Minister Modi, who visited it frequently in the 1990s.

With work stalled and the next NGT hearing approaching, the future of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway hangs in the balance.