Protest against ropeway to Bijli Mahadev shrine

A massive protest rocked the streets of Kullu today as hundreds of residents, largely from the spiritual heartland of the Kharal valley, rallied under the banner of the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Sangharsh Samiti to oppose the under-construction ropeway to the revered Bijli Mahadev temple. The protest started from Shangri Bagh and culminated at Dhalpur. The protesters raised slogans against the project, which they claimed violated the divine will of the presiding deity.

Markets in areas like Ramshila, Akhara Bazar, Beasa Mour, Sarwari and Dhalpur remained shut in solidarity with the protest. Protesters argued that the ropeway threatens the sanctity of the sacred shrine, which has long been accessible only through a challenging trek — seen as an act of devotion by the faithful.

Yashpal Sharma, general secretary of Devbhoomi Jagaran Manch, questioned the government’s insistence on pushing the Rs 280-crore project despite mass opposition. “Thousands oppose this. Why is development being forced at the cost of faith? This isn’t just about a ropeway—it’s about the will of the deity, who protects us all,” Sharma said. He suggested the funds be rerouted to improve road connectivity in Kharal Valley, which he argued would provide genuine relief to residents.

While the public backed the protest, the Kullu Beopar Mandal chose not to support the bandh. Its president, Madan Lal Sood stressed that the ropeway does not intrude on temple land and lies at a considerable distance from the shrine, contradicting fears of desecration.