The sacred Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir finds itself at the center of a heated debate between modernization and tradition, as a proposed ₹250-crore ropeway project threatens to transform the centuries-old pilgrimage experience.
The Controversial Ropeway Project
The proposed ropeway project would dramatically reduce the traditional 13-kilometer trek to just a six-minute journey. While this development promises convenience for pilgrims, it has sparked significant opposition from local communities and religious leaders who view it as a threat to both livelihoods and spiritual traditions.
Impact on Local Economy
The Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (VDSS), representing approximately 60,000 local stakeholders including shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin carriers, stands firmly against the project. As VDSS member Sonu Thakur plainly states, "Hum berozgar ho jayenge, agar ropeway yeh banayenge" (We will become unemployed if they build this ropeway).
Political Unity in Opposition
In a rare display of political consensus, all parties, including a local BJP MP, have united in opposition to this central government project. While previous modernization efforts like battery cars and helicopter services in Katra were accepted, the ropeway project faces unprecedented resistance.
The Tarakote Controversy
The project's planned route, starting from Tarakote to Sanji Chhat, has become a focal point of the development versus livelihood debate. The 7-kilometer Tarakote Marg, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in 2018, already faces criticism. Protesters argue that shifting the base camp from Katra to Tarakote would severely impact Katra's economy.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The traditional route, passing through Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Ardhkuwari, holds deep religious significance. It follows the path believed to have been taken by the goddess while escaping a demon, including a cave where she reportedly sought shelter. As VDSS chairman Beli Ram emphasizes, "The central government wants to turn a pilgrimage into a picnic spot. The path to the Vaishno Devi shrine mirrors the path taken by the Mata. And what is pilgrimage about if not perseverance, and journey."
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Local residents claim that previous development work, including mountain blasting for new routes, has led to landslides during rainy seasons. Former BJP MLA Ajay Nanda has expressed concerns about tampering with the Trikuta hills during route construction.
Current State of Affairs
The situation has led to significant unrest in the region, with:
- Multiple protests and arrests
- Shutdown of local businesses
- Lathi charges by authorities
- An attack on a CRPF vehicle resulting in 18 arrests
- Disruption to pilgrim services
The controversy ultimately raises fundamental questions about the nature of pilgrimage in modern India. While development and accessibility are important considerations, the traditional view holds that the physical journey and its challenges are integral to the spiritual experience. The traditional route, with its shops, food stalls, and service providers, has sustained local communities for generations, making this more than just a religious issue but also a socio-economic one.
As protests continue and arrests mount, the resolution of this conflict will likely shape not just the future of Vaishno Devi, but also set a precedent for how India balances religious tradition with modern development at other pilgrimage sites.
Comments