Local Opposition Mounts Against Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project in Kullu

The Bijli Mahadev Ropeway project, a venture associated with Prime Minister Modi, is encountering strong resistance from residents of the Kullu Valley. Shanti Devi, a resident of Thart village in Kharahal Valley, along with fellow villagers, recently intervened to halt a truck transporting freshly cut timber from the ropeway construction site. This project aims to improve access to the Bijli Mahadev temple, a highly revered site situated atop a hill in Kharahal Valley. The Kullu region is known for its significant religious sites, including the Bijli Mahadev temple, the Hadimba Devi temple in Dhungri, and the Jamlu Maharaj temple in Malana, alongside numerous local deities. Over the past few years, local residents, deeply rooted in their religious beliefs, have voiced concerns about the ropeway. While the ropeway is intended to ease traffic and reduce travel time, concerns persist regarding the potential impact on cleanliness, the disruption caused by increased tourist traffic, and the sanctity of the site. Protests have been organized, with thousands of residents participating, expressing their opposition to the project and demanding its halt.