The construction of the Pathivara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car Project is taking place amidst protests.
The construction started on January 21 and has been going on smoothly, according to Indra Kedem, the contractor of the Himalayan Construction Pvt Ltd.
It connects Phedi, the base of the Pathivara Temple, to the temple itself. It is 2.7 km from Phedi to the top. The construction work will be completed in the next 15 months, according to Kedem.
"The construction has been taking place since January 21," said Kedem, "The work is going on smoothly on the ground. The construction work is facing no hassles as reported by media outlets. It will be completed in the next 15 months."
The construction of the Pathivara Cable Car Project being inaugurated
Tourism experts have said that the Pathivara Cable Car is an important infrastructure project for the religious, cultural, and economic development for the eastern hilly district Taplejung. The construction of the cable will draw more tourists once the construction of the cable car is completed.
They claim that the cable car construction will create job opportunities in the region, allocate shares for those locals hit by the project, enable those with physical limitations to visit the temple.
Infrastructure expert Suryaraj Acharya says that the current opposition to the cable car is baseless. In Nepal, it is often said that the construction of cable cars mainly destroys forests and encroaches on religious/cultural areas.
Acharya, on the other hand, says that the environmental damage caused by building a 2-kilometer cable car is the same as building a 1-kilometer road.
Hence, Acharya says that the issue of the Pathibhara cable car is not an issue to be raised in this way.
"Some people also say that walking instead of taking the cable car is more religious," he told Nepalkhabar, "but some people cannot walk. Elderly people with religious beliefs can take the cable car."
The Pathivara Cable Car is an important infrastructure project in Nepal, particularly in the Taplejung district, as it provides access to the sacred Pathivara Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindu and non-Hindu devotees.
Religious and cultural significance
Situated at an altitude of 3,794 meters above sea level, the Pathivara Temple is one of the most revered religious sites in Nepal, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.
The cable car makes the journey to the temple more accessible, especially for elderly devotees and those with physical limitations.
Even though, there has been bus services from Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung, to Phedi, there is no transportation service from Phedi, the foot of the Phathibhara hillock, to the temple itself. It's an uphill task, especially for the elderly, the children and those with physical limitations, to reach atop the temple. The cable car construction will enable such devotees to visit this religious site.
The distance from Phedi to the top of the hillock, where the temple is perched, is 2.7 km.
It promotes cultural and spiritual tourism, preserving and showcasing the region's religious heritage, claim the tourism experts. It is assumed that devotees from various parts of Nepal and abroad will visit this temple once the cable car is constructed.
Economic benefits and improved accessibility
The project generates employment opportunities for locals, both during its construction and operation.
Similarly, it boosts local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, by increasing the number of visitors to the area.
Without the cable car, reaching the Pathivara Temple involved a strenuous trek, which is challenging for many pilgrims and tourists. The cable car significantly reduces travel time and efforts. Besides, it improves connectivity to remote areas, fostering regional development.
Chandragiri Cable Car
Promotion of regional/tourism development
The project encourages investment in infrastructure and services in Taplejung, contributing to the overall development of the region. It highlights the potential of eastern Nepal as a key destination for religious, cultural, and adventure tourism.
By and large, the Pathivara Cable Car is a vital project that supports religious, cultural, economic, and tourism development in the region while improving accessibility and promoting sustainable practices.
The cable car is one of the important infrastructures for the tourism development of the country. It enhances tourism infrastructure in the region, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
It provides stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, making it a popular attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The cable car is an eco-friendly mode of transportation, reducing the need for road construction in ecologically sensitive areas. It minimizes the environmental impact compared to traditional transportation methods.
Challenges posed by pro-identity groups
Despite many advantages of the cable car construction, the construction has been facing challenges posed by the pro-identity groups. There was a clash between the security personnel and protestors on Saturday evening, leaving at least five injured. Two protestors – Yam Bahadur Limbu of Tehrathum and Sagun Laoti of Panchthar- sustained critical injuries. They are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu.
Pro-identity groups have been protesting that the Pathivara Temple, which they prefer to call 'Mukumlung, is associated with their culture and identity. "The construction of the cable car will be an insult to the Goddess Pathivara," said Ram Thebe, a local and the leader of Nepali Congress.
Meanwhile, Mukumlung Protection Inter-party Struggle Committee in a press note condemned the local administration for using force against the protestors indiscriminately. The Committee has sought action against the Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma and DSP Naresh Maharjan, the in charge of the District Police Office, Taplejung. The Committee has warned that it will launch a series of protests including Tamor corridor blockade against the construction of the cable car unless it is stopped.
Earlier, in the clash with the police during a foundation stone-laying ceremony on November 8, 2024, Chandra Maden and Arjun Limbu had sustained critical injuries.
Pro-identity groups have been consistently protesting the cable car project, arguing that it will damage the region's pristine natural environment and erode local traditions, culture, and identity. They have also demanded that Pathivara be renamed as 'Mukumlung'.
Located in the eastern hilly district Taplejung, Pathivara is a popular religious destination in Nepal where tens of thousands of devotees do visit every year.
Despite protests, IME Group has been constructing the Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car Project, arguing that it will be a significant milestone for the development and prosperity of the Taplejung district.
Province MPs call for dialogues to end conflict
Meanwhile, the province assembly members have drawn the government's attention toward the conflict, urging the concerned stakeholders to resolve the issue through dialogues.
Lawmakers of the Koshi Province Assembly have demanded that the conflict surrounding the Pathivara Cable Car construction be resolved through dialogues without further delay.
Speaking at the zero hour of the provincial meeting on Sunday, lawmaker Binod Kumar Lingthep from Sankhuwasabha urged the federal, provincial and local governments to address the issue at the earliest.
Province Assembly member from Ilam, Shamsher Rai, flayed the province government for suppressing the locals' protest against the proposed Pathivara Cable Car construction. Rai has also demanded free treatment for those injured in the clash between the security personnel and the protestors.
Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Sabina Bajgain, NC lawmaker Pradeep Kumar Sunuwar and CPN (Unified Socialist) lawmaker Kamal Prasad Jabegu urged the government to resolve the conflict through dialogues without further delay.
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