Katra Town Shut Down for 72 Hours Amid Growing Protests Against Ropeway Project
SRINAGAR – Katra, the base camp for the millions of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, is currently experiencing a 72-hour shutdown, which began Wednesday, as locals strongly oppose the proposed ₹250-crore ropeway project. The shutdown has led to severe inconveniences for pilgrims, with shops, hotels, and transport services closed, heightening the frustration among those who had planned to visit the sacred shrine.
Proposed Ropeway Project Faces Local Opposition
The proposed ropeway is planned to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, a major stop on the route to the Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Reasi district. The initiative, part of an effort to improve accessibility for elderly pilgrims and those with limited mobility, has garnered strong opposition from the local community. Traders, shopkeepers, pony operators, and laborers in Katra have voiced their concerns, claiming that the project threatens their livelihoods.
Leaders of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti (SMVDSS), the group spearheading the protests, argue that the ropeway would not only take away their jobs but also harm the local economy and the town’s ecology. “The construction of the ropeway is an attempt to sideline the locals who depend on the traditional methods of transport and commerce. It will hurt our economy, our religious sentiments, and our environment,” said a representative of the Sangarsh Samiti.
Shutdown Disrupts Pilgrim Experience
The 72-hour shutdown has caused significant disruption to daily life in Katra. Local businesses, including shops selling religious items, food stalls, and transport services, have all come to a halt. Many pilgrims, who have arrived in Katra from across India, are now facing difficulties in accessing basic services, including food, water, and transportation.
“I came all the way from Delhi to visit Vaishno Devi, but we are facing tremendous difficulties due to the shutdown. There are no open shops, no hotels, and no local transport. It’s hard even to get a bottle of water,” said Sayem, a pilgrim from Delhi.
Police Action Adds Fuel to the Fire
The shutdown, organized by the Sangarsh Samiti, has not been without controversy. Several peaceful protesters, including former legislators and traders, participated in a march against the ropeway project, demanding that the authorities halt the initiative. However, tensions escalated when police detained many of the protestors. The police action, which some leaders deemed unwarranted, has only intensified the anger among the locals.
Former legislator Jugal Sharma, a key member of the protest, expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities’ handling of the situation. “The government has completely ignored our concerns. The police action against peaceful protestors is uncalled for and has only increased the anger of the people. The shutdown will continue, and there is a possibility that it might be extended until our demands are met,” Sharma said.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
Apart from the economic and livelihood-related issues, the environmental impact of the ropeway project has also been a major point of contention. Protest leaders fear that the construction of the ropeway will damage the fragile ecological balance of the area, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Reasi district. The town’s proximity to the Vaishno Devi shrine, one of the most revered religious sites in India, makes it especially vulnerable to any large-scale development projects.
“Building such a massive ropeway system in this area will undoubtedly impact the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. Our environment is already under stress, and this project will only make it worse,” said another leader of the Sangarsh Samiti.
Local Economic Impact of the Shutdown
The shutdown has had an immediate impact on Katra’s economy, particularly on the small businesses that depend on pilgrims for daily income. Katra, with its narrow streets lined with shops and eateries catering to pilgrims, has long been a bustling hub for traders. However, the ongoing protests and the closure of businesses have led to severe losses.
“We depend on pilgrims for our livelihood. This shutdown is hurting all of us, and we are concerned about how much longer we can continue this way,” said a local shopkeeper.
Will the Shutdown Be Extended?
Given the ongoing tensions and the authorities’ failure to resolve the matter, the possibility of an extension of the shutdown remains high. Local leaders, including Sharma, have stated that they will not back down unless the government agrees to reconsider the ropeway project and address the concerns raised by the locals.
In the meantime, pilgrims who are arriving in Katra to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine are left in limbo, as services remain shut down and public sentiment remains highly charged.
Government’s Stand and Future Plans
The government has maintained that the ropeway project is necessary to improve accessibility to the shrine and ensure the safety of elderly pilgrims. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has expressed its intention to go ahead with the project despite the opposition from local stakeholders. However, the ongoing protests and public unrest could force the authorities to reassess their plans.
“The purpose of the ropeway is to ensure easier access for elderly and physically challenged pilgrims. However, we understand the concerns of the local community and are committed to finding a solution that addresses their grievances,” a government official stated.
Conclusion
As Katra continues its 72-hour shutdown, the conflict between development and livelihood continues to escalate. The government’s efforts to improve access to the Vaishno Devi shrine may face significant hurdles if it fails to address the concerns of the local population. Meanwhile, pilgrims are left to grapple with the ongoing disruptions, adding to the growing frustration among the visitors who rely on Katra’s services for their journey to the shrine.