Katra: Protest over ropeway project enters Day 7, routine life affected

The protest strike in Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Reasi district of Jammu, entered its seventh day on Tuesday as the locals are demanding the cancellation of the proposed ropeway project that will connect the arduous trek between the town and the temple.

The protests called by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti started on January 25 with a long march during which police arrested at least 18 people, including the representatives of the Samiti. Since then a group of youngsters are also on a fast demanding immediate release of the Samiti members. The health department officials conducted a full checkup of the fasting protestors. The shutdown has disrupted routine life in the town and hundreds of yatris arriving at the temple on the New Year's Eve also faced difficulties.

In November 2024, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which runs the management of the temple, announced the Rs 250 crore long ropeway project to ease 13 kms long walk and trek for the pilgrims in the Trikuta hills. The ropeway will connect Tarakote Marg with Sanju Chhat which further leads to the Vaishno Devi temple.


Even though the administration has urged locals to stop protesting as doors for dialogue with the stakeholders are open, they said that the projects will snatch the livelihood of thousands of people, including pony wallas who help the pilgrims to trek through the arduous hills. Several million people visit the temple every year. In 2023, 95.22 yatris visited the temple and the number is higher in 2024.

"Our people should be released immediately and this project has to stop as it will directly impact our livelihood and lives. Do we have to migrate then to earn our living," said a local Surinder Singh.