Resolve Ropeway Row

The conflict of interest must be resolved at the base camp Katra that has affected the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and has led to the cycle of confrontation and violence between the security personnel and the stakeholders. Earlier the palanquin holders and the shopkeepers had reached an agreement and the strike was called off. But after the police action there has been emergence of the conflict again. In fact, the police had taken the leaders of the agitation against the ropeway into custody. This has enraged the stakeholders. It is pertinent to mention that the administration had swung into action and opened the channels of communication with the agitationists who are opposing the ropeway project, claiming that it will have adverse impact on their business. Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most successful models that has been emulated in other places. It goes to the credit of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board(SMVDB) that management and the marketing has led to professionalism in the pilgrimage. This Yatra generates revenue that caters to the livelihood of many stakeholders. Katra has evolved as economically viable economic models. With the passage of time there is always a need to go for the value addition.So that gap in terms of pilgrim’s facilities is filled and pilgrimage is made comfortable. The reaction of the pony wallahs and the shopkeepers to the ropeway project is unwanted. They must internalise that the up gradation of the destination area is meant to facilitate the pilgrimage and add professionalism. Every effort must be made to use both traditional and modern modes of transport to facilitate the travel of the pilgrims.The stakeholders must also realise that this Yatra is not only a tourism venture but the matter of sanctity. So to associate everything with revenue generation and profit is also unwanted.But the need is to evolve a common ground to end this deadlock.So that path of co-operation is upheld and confrontation is shunned.Earlier the Lieutenant Governor(LG),Manoj Sinha has said that the interests of the stakeholders will be taken care off. Now the onus lies on the Shrine Board and the administration to resolve this logjam at the earliest.So that the Yatra is managed without any hassles. The Rising Kashmir had underlined in the earlier editorial that this row is not in the interest of any party as this Yatra is the most sought and respected.Nearly one crore yatries visit the Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. This pilgrimage has brought the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the international map in terms of tourist traffic. SMVDSB is one of the largest employers and has employees and service providers of many hues.Time has come to accommodate the interests of all stakeholders in a comprehensive way. Involvement of the locals is of paramount interest.If the ropeway project is making the pony wallahs and shopkeepers apprehensive then there is a need to evolve a formula that offers alternative livelihood opportunities . Destination area has to be restored at any cost. A proper impact assessment must be undertaken that factors the challenges having bearing on the livelihood issues of the locals.Multiplier effect of this Yatra has impact on the livelihood of all stakeholders that has to be kept in mind.Opinion of the experts who specialise in pilgrim tourism must also be sought.Now the ball lies in the court of the administration and the stakeholders also must come up with solutions to end the stalemate.