80 trees on forestland face axe for Bijli Mahadev ropeway project

Seven hectares of forestland and 80 trees (10 pine and 70 deodar) are coming in the way of the ambitious Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project. The value of trees is more than Rs 5 crore. Besides, the ropeway construction company, National Highways Logistics Management Limited, will have to deposit Rs 35 lakh with the government for compensatory afforestation and Rs 42 lakh in the form of the Net Present Value (NPV) in exchange for land.

The machinery of the company has arrived at the base station at Pirdi, 4 km from Kullu town, but the company will have to first deposit this money to the Central Government before starting construction work. Only after that, the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment will give final approval to start the project work.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had virtually performed ‘bhoomi pujan’ of the Rs 284-crore Bijli Mahadev ropeway on March 5. Even after eight months, the company has not deposited the amount. The target to complete the project is September 2025 but delay in completing the necessary procedures might delay the construction, increasing the cost of the project.

Kullu Divisional Forest Officer Angel Chauhan said final approval was yet to be taken to start the work on the Bijli Mahadev ropeway project. He added that in lieu of the land, trees and other assets coming in the way of the project, the company would first have to deposit Rs 6 crore with the Central Government for the final permission to be granted.

This ropeway from Pirdi to Bijli Mahadev, a scenic pilgrim spot having the ancient Shiva temple on Kharal hilltop opposite Kullu town, will be 2.33-km long and have two spans. Through the ropeway, tourists will be able to reach Bijli Mahadev in 10 minutes, whereas by road, after travelling about 15 km by car from Kullu town to Chansari village, one has to trek one-and-a-half kilometre on foot. The entire journey takes around three hours.

Some locals are opposing the ropeway apprehending that it will ruin the sanctity of the holy place. They have also cited local deity’s orders. Environmentalists have also expressed concern about the carrying capacity of the area. The residents are demanding that the basic amenities in the holy spot should be developed first and the company operating the ropeway should be responsible for cleanliness.