It is unfortunate that shopkeepers, pony-owners and proprietors of other business establishments have started agitation in Holy Town Katra against the decision of the authorities to build a ropeway that will reduce the travel time of the pilgrims to the cave shrine.
The decision to go on strike by the aforesaid stakeholders has made it clear that the authorities have not taken them into confidence while taking this important decision despite the fact that their businesses are likely to be affected due to this development initiative.
In such cases, the authorities should always go for a trade-off because what is the fun of such a development which will snatch away the livelihoods of so many people. It would have been much better if Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) had deliberated with the concerned stakeholders and assured the due compensation and rehabilitation before announcing this new project of the ropeway.
It is for sure that no one will oppose the new ropeway for the Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, if the authorities would have come up with an appropriate plan of providing adequate compensation and new livelihood resources for the entities which are going to be affected by this addition of facility for the devotees of the Sheran Wali Maa.
It is pertinent to mention that SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer had recently announced that a ropeway will be constructed from Tarakote Marg to the temple area that will reduce the travel journey on 13-km path from over 4-5 hours to only 6 minutes. It is a known fact that the concern shown by the stakeholders who are likely to face the heat of this development project is quite genuine especially when they have not been taken into confidence before announcing this project.
It is advisable for the authorities not to take such important decisions without consulting those who are expected to get impacted by this. Still there is time that things should be resolved amicably by sitting round the table with authorities educating the stakeholders about their exact plans and route map to consolidate the expected losses of the shopkeepers and the ponywallahs, while the stakeholders are given opportunity to express their apprehensions and doubts. This is something which could prove advantageous for one and all because the path of confrontation will take entities to nowhere besides creating chaos in the holy town of Katra and the entire Yatra route.
