Katra town will go into complete shutdown on December 18 in protest against the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, which leads to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
The decision was made following a meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which includes shopkeepers, pony wallahs and porters.
Markets, companies and public transit in Katra town are all scheduled to close on December 18. Samiti members and others staged a demonstration the night before the shutdown, walking through Katra’s streets while shouting anti-project slogans.
They raised concerns about the potential impact of the project on the town’s economy, arguing that it would divert pilgrims away from Katra’s market, negatively affecting thousands of shopkeepers and service providers.
Shortly after the ropeway project was revealed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, protests broke out in Katra on November 22.
Stakeholders argue that the proposed cable car system will bypass Katra town, drastically lowering foot traffic in local markets and affecting the income of people who depend on pilgrimage, even if it is intended to give pilgrims visiting the shrine a quicker and more convenient path.
Owners of horses, ponies and palkis (palanquins) have made particular requests and are asking for compensation if the proposal is approved. “If the compensation is given, there will be no objection from these groups,” Congress worker Karan Singh said.
Significant support was shown for the demonstration, notably from former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, who joined in and showed unity with the demonstrators. The Samiti is expected to step up its protest if its demands are not met by the administration. Upcoming meetings will debate the movement’s future tactics.
Protesters contend that the lives of local communities and the preservation of traditional pilgrimage customs must be taken into account when developing projects like the ropeway.
The Samiti has urged the government to consult with interested parties and come up with a fair solution that promotes growth without jeopardising the socioeconomic stability of the area.
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