Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Feb 28: Hundreds of traders, Pithus and Ponywalas along with locals today observed a complete shutdown in Katra town to lodge protest against proposed Tarakote-Sanji Chhat ropeway project.
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Amidst slogans, the local traders took out a protest rally and staged sit-in outside office of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. They were demanding cancellation of the proposed passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat along the 12-km track to the revered shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district. The protestors also submitted a memorandum to the CEO Shrine Board.
Earlier in the morning, the protestors assembled at Fawwara Chowk and took out a protest march which passed through main bazar. Later on, they staged protest dharna outside the Shrine Board office.
One of the protestors, Sohan Chand said that the Covid lockdown has already broke back bone of economy in Katra and the business establishment suffered huge loss here. “The Government announces back to back decisions which have huge impact on employment. We request LG to look into the matter for redressal at the earliest as their positive decision will saves employment,’ he added.
It may be recalled that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on February 20, during his visit to Katra, said that the tender process for a ropeway for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is in the final phase and the project will be undertaken with “utmost sensitivity” to safeguard the interests of local businesses.
The protesting traders opposed the decision alleging that the local business will get adversely affected if the ropeway project takes off from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat.
As per officials, the 2.4-km-long 250 crore ropeway project will be completed in three years and with this facility, pilgrims can reach the temple complex in just six minutes compared to the five to six hour trek.
Earlier in May 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated Tarakote Marg, an alternate seven kilometre track to the shrine which is less steep and with easier gradient.
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