Centre steps in to resolve Kullu shrine ropeway row

A three-member committee headed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda will hold talks with the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti, which is opposing the construction of an aerial ropeway to the hilltop shrine, in New Delhi on November 3.

“The Prime Minister has constituted a three-member committee comprising BJP chief Nadda, Arun Singh and Mahender Pandey to hold talks with the stakeholders on the issue of setting up of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway as he himself is very busy,” said former MP Maheshwar Singh, who is the chharibardar (chief caretaker) of Lord Raghunath in his capacity as the scion of the erstwhile Kullu royal family.

Maheshwar said the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti, which had been opposing the project to connect the famous temple with a ropeway, would meet the committee in New Delhi on November 3. “We had sought an appointment with Nadda earlier, but since he was busy with the elections, we have now been given an appointment,” he said.

Maheshwar, who has been vocal in his opposition to the ropeway, reiterated on Friday that locals would not allow the ropeway. He said residents were against the ropeway as it would cause environmental damage to the pristine area, which is revered by the villagers across Kullu and Manali.

The Badi Jagati (assembly of deities), held at Naggar in Kullu on Friday also expressed displeasure over the ropeway project.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing controversy, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted time to the Himachal Pradesh Government and National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), which is executing the project, to file their replies.

The NGT, in its order on Thursday, listed the case for hearing on November 13. The Advocate General appearing for the state submitted that the replies would be filed within three days. The NHLML also assured that its reply would be filed within a week.

During the NGT hearing on October 17, the state government had stated that it had a limited role in the project since the NHLML was executing it. It clarified that none of the clearances had been granted by the state authorities, and therefore, the state had a very limited role in environmental matters related to the project.