Tension Rises Over Bijili Mahadev Ropeway Project

Protests against the Bijili Mahadev Ropeway Project have expanded from Kullu to Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. Locals, led by Manish Vats of the Himachal Dev Sena, oppose the project, citing concerns about disrupting religious sanctity. Despite resistance, the government plans to proceed with construction.

Protests against the controversial Bijili Mahadev Ropeway Project have escalated from the Kullu district to Mandi town in Himachal Pradesh. Several organizations gathered at Seri Ground to express their discontent with the proposed development.

Manish Vats, convener of the Himachal Dev Sena, addressed the protesters and urged the government to abandon the project. He argued that it would compromise the sanctity of religious sites under the guise of boosting religious tourism. Vats emphasized that the community would not permit any disruptions to their faith or natural surroundings.

Significantly, during the sacred month of Shravan, the iconic Shiv Temple has been shut for devotees, redirecting them to experience darshan from outside. This decision underscores the heightened tensions, as the community is unwilling to compromise on the temple's sanctity. Nevertheless, the government appears steadfast in its decision to build the ropeway despite local opposition.

(With inputs from agencies.)