Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra town witnessed widespread protests on Tuesday as local residents opposed the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project, threatening to escalate their agitation, including resuming a chain hunger strike, if the plan is not shelved.

Katra, serving as the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, has been at the centre of controversy over the ₹250-crore ropeway project. The proposed ropeway is planned to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre-long steep track leading to the sacred cave shrine in Reasi district. Locals have expressed deep concerns about the potential economic and social impact of the project on the town, particularly highlighting its effect on the livelihoods of over 60,000 families, including hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony operators, and daily-wage labourers who depend heavily on the flow of pilgrims for their income.

On Tuesday, residents, particularly youth groups, staged a dharna, displaying pictures of Mata Vaishno Devi and banners reading “No to Ropeway.” Slogans were raised demanding that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) abandon the project, with protesters asserting that their opposition stemmed from the potential threat to traditional occupations and the socio-economic fabric of Katra.

“We are holding a protest against the ropeway project. We will not allow the ropeway project here,” said Sahil Singh, one of the protesters, speaking to reporters at the site of the demonstration. He further stated that the protests would continue until the authorities accede to their demand to scrap the project. Singh emphasised that local support was strong, citing backing from community organizations such as the Sangharsh Samiti, Yuva Rajput Sabha, and the local Chamber of Commerce. “We met all of them, and they promised us support in our fight against the ropeway,” he said.

Another protester highlighted the perceived inaction by local authorities. “The divisional commissioner of Jammu had promised us ten months ago that the decision on the ropeway would be taken after consulting the locals. But the administration has gone back on its promise. That is why we are back on the roads. Today, we have joined the hunger strike; tomorrow, others will join it. The administration should realise the gravity of the issue and take measures to address our demand,” the individual said.

This protest is not the first of its kind. Katra had witnessed a week-long shutdown and agitation in December of the previous year, during which the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti had organized a chain hunger strike demanding the shelving of the ropeway project. The shutdown and protests, which involved closures of shops and businesses across the town, led to the arrest of 18 protesters, who were subsequently released on January 1.

In response to the earlier protests, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had constituted a committee to initiate dialogue with stakeholders, including local residents, business owners, and community leaders, to resolve the disputes surrounding the project. The committee was tasked with addressing concerns over livelihoods, environmental impact, and the preservation of the cultural and religious sanctity of the pilgrimage route.

The ropeway project, intended to modernize pilgrim access to Vaishno Devi and reduce physical strain on devotees traversing the 12-kilometre track, has been justified by proponents as a step toward enhancing tourism infrastructure. Supporters argue that the project could provide a safer and more convenient alternative to the arduous trek, particularly for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, while potentially increasing tourist inflow and boosting revenue for the Shrine Board and the local economy.

However, the concerns of the locals center on the displacement of traditional occupations. Pony operators, who provide transport for pilgrims, fear a significant loss of income as the ropeway could reduce the need for their services. Similarly, small hoteliers, shopkeepers, and labourers dependent on the steady footfall of pilgrims along the trekking route worry about reduced business and diminished earnings, threatening the economic lifeline of Katra’s population.

Environmental and cultural concerns have also been raised. Critics argue that the ropeway could alter the natural landscape along the steep hill track, disturb local flora and fauna, and potentially disrupt the spiritual and cultural experience of the pilgrimage. There is apprehension that mechanizing the trek could commercialize the sacred route, changing the traditional character of the pilgrimage, which is as much a spiritual journey as it is a physical one.

The current protest underscores the delicate balance authorities must navigate between modern infrastructure development and the preservation of local livelihoods and cultural practices. The repeated demonstrations indicate that, despite administrative assurances, there is still a trust deficit between the government and the local community.

The SMVDSB has stated that it will continue consultations with stakeholders to address grievances and concerns. Officials have highlighted that the ropeway project aims to complement existing facilities and improve the overall safety and convenience for pilgrims. However, the lack of detailed communication about compensation, alternative employment opportunities, and consultation with directly affected families has fueled dissent.

As tensions continue to simmer, the situation in Katra remains closely watched, given the scale of the opposition and the potential for disruption to both local life and pilgrimage traffic. The threat of another chain hunger strike signals that protesters are prepared to escalate their agitation if the government does not heed their demands.

The ropeway issue in Katra is emblematic of broader development debates across India, where infrastructural modernization initiatives intersect with traditional livelihoods, local economies, and cultural preservation. In this case, the government faces the challenge of reconciling the need for improved access to a major religious site with the economic dependence of tens of thousands of local families on existing systems of transport, hospitality, and related services.

With negotiations ongoing and public protests continuing, the outcome of the ropeway project remains uncertain. The coming weeks will likely be decisive in determining whether the government can secure local cooperation or if the project faces prolonged resistance, potentially delaying its implementation and prompting a reassessment of its social and economic impact on Katra and its residents.

In conclusion, the protests in Katra against the Vaishno Devi ropeway project highlight the complex interplay of development, tradition, and livelihood concerns in the region. While the project promises modernization and convenience for pilgrims, local opposition emphasizes the need for inclusive decision-making, economic safeguards, and sensitive handling of culturally significant infrastructure projects. The response of authorities and stakeholders in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of this contentious project.