KULLU/SHIMLA:  After burning their finger in the Private Solang Valley Ski Project, the residents of Kullu, led by Dev Samaj of the valley of Gods took to the streets today  to voice their concerns and staged a protest against the proposed construction of a ropeway project connecting Bhuntar to the revered Bijli Mahadev temple.

The protest centers around the potential environmental and cultural implications of the project  as they cited that Bijli Mahadev devta has warned of its consequences for the valley.

They demand that the ropeway termination point should be 500 m down from the Bijli Mahadev Top.

The protest has gained momentum recently soon after the Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways  Nitin Gadkari announced the release Rs 200 crore for the Ropeways Project to the state government.

 Dev Samaaj and residents from Kharal Bhuntar and Bijli Mahadev, Kullu gathered and staged protest from Bhuntar to Ramshila bridge. They also enjoyed support of the former Mandi BJP MP Maheshwar Singh.

They expressed their apprehensions about the proposed ropeway project, which aims to provide an alternative mode of transport to the Bijli Mahadev temple, where nobody can be allowed to build resort as it would ruin the sanctity of the Lord of the land.

The temple, known for its religious significance and panoramic views, has been a destination for pilgrims and tourists alike for generations.

The protesters assert that the proposed ropeway, while offering convenience and potential economic benefits, could have adverse effects on the local ecosystem and cultural heritage.

They argue that the increased tourism and infrastructure could potentially disturb the delicate balance of the area as the private company will take over the area dictating terms and place will lose its sanctity.

They cited example of Solang valley ski resort, where the private operator now ran his wrists and charge Rs 500 for the ski trip from locals and disallow them to take their goods to the top .

Dev Samaaj   claimed that the Kullu MLA Sundar Thakur  was supporting the project as he is supporting some land owners at Jiya from the where the Ropeway will go to the sacred premises of  Bijli Mahadev.

Leader, who is also a hotelier viewed this as an opportunity to develop land into a big resort rather than thinking about the religious sentiments  of the public- charge that the MLA has defended saying that the protest was being ignited by the BJP leaders.

The protesters  said there is a need to preserve the area's charm and tranquility. They contend that unchecked development could irreversibly alter the region's identity and impact the fragile mountain ecosystem.

Local sentiment against the project centers around concerns of over-commercialization and the potential disruption of local traditions. The protesters argue that the proposed development contradicts the spiritual and natural essence that has drawn devotees and tourists to Bijli Mahadev for years.

They point that all sorts of people rather than the trekkers and nature lovers would dash to the top that can ruin its sanctity and divinity and defile the fragile mountain top. 

The residents are calling for a more balanced approach that respects the environment, culture, and traditions that are deeply rooted in the region.

They submitted memorandum to DC Kullu and demanded cancellation of the Ropeway project.