Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur strongly criticised those opposing the proposed Bijli Mahadev ropeway, saying they are using environmental concerns as a political excuse ahead of the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections. While addressing mediapersons, he said the protests seem to be driven more by political motives than genuine concern for the environment.
Thakur pointed out that back in 2009, around 1,344 trees were cut in the same area for a private hydroelectric project, yet the same voices now opposing the ropeway remained silent then. "This sudden activism reeks of opportunism," he said.
He also shared that the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the 3.2-km ropeway was issued in 2018 by Subhash Chand, the then-president of Chansari panchayat and a BJP worker. Thakur added that one of the current protest leaders had even signed that NOC. “If someone now threatens self-immolation, they must explain why they approved the same project earlier,” he said.
During the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP had promoted the Bijli Mahadev ropeway project in their campaign under the slogan “Mission Repeat.” Thakur questioned “Why disown what you once claimed as divine approval.”
He also clarified that he intervened to reduce the environmental impact. Originally, the ropeway plan would have affected 203 trees, but after his request, the route was changed to impact only 70. The trees were cut by the state forest corporation, and the developer paid all necessary compensation.
Thakur also mentioned that the same panchayat earlier blocked a proposed circular road that could have improved connectivity in the region. “The same people blocking development are now hiding behind environmental concerns,” he said.
He ended by calling for all stakeholders to look beyond politics and support the ropeway, saying it would help tourism, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
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