Chaos Erupts Over ₹250 Crore Vaishno Devi Ropeway: Protests, Shutdowns, and Stone Pelting in Katra

Tensions escalated in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, as protests against the ₹250 crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project turned chaotic. Police resorted to lathi-charges and detained several demonstrators while trying to disperse the agitated crowd.

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The ropeway, spanning 12 km from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, promises to enhance pilgrimage experiences but has triggered fierce opposition. Locals fear the project will devastate their livelihoods and disrupt the region’s ecological balance.

Protests and Shutdown: A Town on Edge

On December 25, local business owners, including pony wallas and shopkeepers, called for a 72-hour bandh. The usually bustling pilgrimage town came to a standstill, with all commercial activities suspended.

Earlier protests had already turned violent, with demonstrators pelting stones at police on November 25. The unrest began on November 22, spearheaded by pony and palanquin owners, who play a vital role in assisting thousands of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Police and Government Respond

Security forces conducted a flag march to maintain law and order, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paramvir Singh addressed the unrest. “People have been protesting for three days. We’re working to restore normalcy,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while reviewing another project in Jammu, acknowledged the locals’ concerns. He assured that losses caused by the project’s impact would be addressed.

Locals vs. Development

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board envisions the ropeway project as a safer and quicker alternative for pilgrims. However, locals remain adamant, citing the risk of job loss and environmental degradation.

With tensions running high, the future of the project hangs in the balance, as authorities attempt to balance development with the concerns of Katra’s residents.