In a move that has intensified public debate, Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh recently turned to Facebook to invite feedback from people on a proposed ropeway from Pirdi (Kullu) to the revered Bijli Mahadev shrine. What began as an effort to encourage public dialogue soon turned into a heated controversy, especially after reports came out that more than 77 deodar trees had already been felled along the planned route.
Thousands of reactions and comments poured in within hours of the minister’s post, revealing a deeply divided public opinion. On one side are environmentalists, traditionalists, and local villagers who are concerned that the ropeway could harm the spiritual sanctity and fragile environment of the site.
On the other side, some residents and devotees support the idea, saying it would greatly ease access for elderly people and those with disabilities.
“Ropeways should be installed at other unexplored scenic locations. Bijli Mahadev’s purity must remain untouched,” one follower said.
Others expressed fears about crowding, commercialisation, and pollution, warning that unchecked tourism could not only damage the deodar forests forever but also the cultural energy of Bijli Mahadev.
Environmentalists have raised serious concerns, warning that the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is already under a lot of stress. They’re asking for a proper ecological and geological study before any work starts at the site, along with clear efforts to plant more trees to make up for any loss. They also say it's important to understand how many visitors the area can safely handle to avoid problems like land subsidence, too much waste, and long-term damage to the natural habitat.
On the other hand, supporters of the ₹284-crore ropeway project, being developed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited, argue that it can improve access and boost the local economy without harming the environment. Some have suggested solutions like limiting the number of visitors each day and using eco-friendly cable cars. They also point to similar projects at other hill shrines to justify that development and environmental care can go hand in hand.
Environmental voices have been especially strong, calling for a thorough ecological and geological impact assessment before construction moves ahead. They’ve stressed the need for defining the shrine’s carrying capacity, ensuring compensatory afforestation, and implementing long-term safeguards to prevent land subsidence, waste buildup, and habitat loss.
Currently, reaching Bijli Mahadev involves a three-hour journey, including a steep two-hour hike through pine forest above Chansari village. And alternative routes from Naggar and Kais are not well-maintained.
The proposed 2.4-km ropeway would cut travel time to just seven minutes and potentially carry up to 35,000 people daily. But that figure, too, has raised alarms about over-tourism. Videos are going viral where locals have been criticizing the ambitious project, and threatening to launch a modern-day Chipko movement.
This is a challenging time for Himachal, which is already reeling from the damage caused by ongoing monsoon-related destruction, much of which is linked to unchecked infrastructural development. Now, yet another project is on the horizon, raising fresh concerns among locals and environmentalists who fear it could lead to even more harm in the future.
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