The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Himachal Pradesh Government and the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment and Climate change, besides other agencies involved in construction of Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project connecting Bijli Mahadev Temple with National Highway to Kullu at Pirdi.
The NGT has fixed November 25 as a next date of hearing and asked the respondents to file their replies by then.
The Bijli Mahadev Project is facing stiff resistance from the environmentalists, the oracles of deities and local people and the NGT order has come at a time when people opposing the project are demanding to stop the project and have held several protests.
The 2.4-km ropeway project will link Pirdi to the shrine of Bilji Mahadev, located on a hilltop, which generally trekked by the visitors.
While people opposing the project are highlighting the issue of cutting of a large number of trees for the project, hurting religious sentiment of locals and disturbing fragile hills .
A congregation of oracles of deities (Chhoti Jagti) was also organized a few weeks ago at Kullu, where the oracles also announced to stop the project or invite wrath of nature and gods.
A petition against the project has been filed by a local resident in the NGT raising serious concern about threat to ecology and environment of the area as a large number of green trees has already been felled and it poses a serious threat to the hill.
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The stiff opposition to the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project is understandable, but halting it altogether is not the solution. Development and faith can move together, provided the project is executed with strict safeguards. Modern ropeways worldwide coexist with fragile ecosystems—why not here? Instead of protests, the focus should be on ensuring minimal tree felling, scientific planning, and genuine consultation with local communities and religious leaders.
This ropeway will not only ease the difficult trek for devotees but also strengthen devotion, promote religious tourism, and generate revenue for both the temple and the state. If done responsibly, Bijli Mahadev can set an example of sustainable growth where nature, faith, and prosperity go hand in hand.