Jammu . Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the legitimate concerns of the people protesting against the proposed ropeway project on Vaishno Devi Temple Road will be addressed. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Chairman Sinha said a committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu has already held talks with stakeholders to build a consensus on the development projects. Sinha was talking to reporters after taking stock of the Tawi Riverfront project under construction in the center of the city.
Responding to a question related to the stone pelting incident in Katra on the fourth day of the strike against the construction of the ropeway project, the Lieutenant Governor said that the concerns of the people regarding loss of employment are being taken into consideration. However, he clarified that there will be no compromise with the objective of development projects and creating adequate employment opportunities for the people. The march by shopkeepers and workers against the proposed ropeway project on the walkway leading to Vaishno Devi temple turned violent on Monday when some protesters clashed with police at Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Went.
The protesters demand that the project be shut down or that all those affected be given appropriate compensation. According to officials, a policeman was injured in stone pelting by the protesters, but the situation was immediately brought under control with the deployment of additional forces. Shopkeepers and pony and palanquin owners after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced to go ahead with the passenger ropeway project costing Rs 250 crore on the 12 km long yatra route between Tarakot Marg to Sanjhi Chhat and complete it within two years. The strike started on Friday.
The Shrine Board last week announced the implementation of the long-awaited ropeway project to facilitate safe and speedy travel to the pilgrims. Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anshul Garg said, “The ropeway project will prove to be extremely important, especially for devotees who find the steep climb up to the temple challenging.” The project was earlier shelved due to similar protests. Most of the private shops within a three-kilometre radius on the yatra route remained closed for the fourth day, while pony and palanquin owners did not provide any service to the pilgrims, causing immense hardship to many devotees.