Heritage trees fall to make way for cable car project in Kullu

Amid rising public anger, dozens of centuries-old deodar and pine trees have been cut down at the construction site of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway in Kullu district. The felling has triggered protests from environmentalists and residents who fear irreversible ecological damage.

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The ropeway, touted as a flagship tourism initiative and dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being developed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) at a cost of Rs 284 crore.

Once completed, it will carry pilgrims and tourists from Pirdi base station to the 2,460-metre-high Bijli Mahadev temple in a 2.4 km cable car ride, reducing travel time from three hours to just 10 minutes.

While NHLML has deposited Rs 5 crore for compensatory afforestation and environmental clearances, locals argue that money cannot replace ancient trees. “These deodars are part of our heritage and vital for slope stability,” said Abhishek Rai, an environmentalist based in Kullu.

Locals like Mohan have urged the government to explore less invasive alternatives that avoid harming old-growth forests. “We are not against development, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our fragile ecosystem,” he said.

District authorities claim all environmental norms were followed. “Compensatory plantation will begin immediately,” a forest department official stated. However, the public remains unconvinced, fearing the permanent loss of green cover.

Political controversy has also emerged after a viral photo appeared to show former MP Maheshwar Singh at the ropeway project’s puja ceremony. He affirmed his strong support for devniti (religious tradition), stating that the deity’s word is final and must be respected. Speaking at the puja ceremony, Singh urged company representative KK Sharma to honour the deity’s directive, making it clear that the current alignment of the proposed ropeway project was unacceptable. He emphasised that all development must respect local beliefs and religious sanctity.

The foundation stone was laid virtually by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on March 5, 2024, after persistent efforts by Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur. Construction machinery began arriving at the site last September.

Locals are now demanding that essential infrastructure—especially water, sanitation and waste disposal—be upgraded before the ropeway opens. They are also calling for strict accountability from the operator to maintain cleanliness around the temple.

As the controversy deepens, it raises difficult questions about balancing development with environmental conservation in the ecologically sensitive Himalayas.