JAMMU, Nov 19: Planned several years back, the much talked about Shiv Khori Ropeway Project is on the papers only because of prolonged litigation between residents of Pouni, National Highway Logistics Management Ltd and Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board Reasi over the location of take-off point.
From time to time, successive Governments in Jammu and Kashmir made announcements about early start of work on Shiv Khori Ropeway Project but serious efforts were never made to translate the same into reality.
Finally, on December 30, 2022, the National Highways Logistics Management Limited through its Chief Operating Officer issued Notice Inviting Bid (NIB) for development, operation and maintenance of ropeway from Ransoo Bus Stand to Shiv Khori Temple in district Reasi on Hybrid annuity. In the opening recital of NIB, the National Highway Logistics Management Ltd claimed to have been entrusted by the Government of India with the project.
However, the NIB was challenged by the inhabitants of Pouni area before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on the ground that takeoff point was changed from Darshani Deodi to New Bus Stand Ransoo without any plausible reason and this will badly impact the livelihood of shopkeepers and those working for facilitating the pilgrims in performing the pilgrimage.
The Single Bench, as per the official sources, delivered the verdict in the favour of inhabitants of Pouni but the judgment was challenged by the respondents before the Division Bench of the High Court and final verdict is awaited.
“Due to this, the much-hyped project is on the papers only even several years after its planning”, sources said, adding “keeping in view the immense importance of the project both the sides should make a submission before the High Court for early settlement of the litigation and whatever will be the verdict should be respected by both the sides instead of resorting to any further round of litigation”.
Meanwhile, Reasi District Administration has decided to make a fresh request to General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), which is a part of the Border Roads Organization (BRO), for early start of work on the development of helipads—one at a village few kilometers away from Katra town towards Reasi and another at Shiv Khori.
“While new helipad is to be constructed near Katra where Shiv Khori Shrine Board has sufficient land, the one at Shiv Khori only needs upgradation work”, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Mahajan said when contacted, adding “we will ensure that work at both the places begins as early as possible so that helipads become ready for operations within next eight-night months”.
It would be only after the development of helipads that heli-service providers will be approached for start of operations on Katra-Shiv Khori-Katra aerial route.
When asked about Live Aarti from Shiv Khori Shrine, which remains suspended for the past quite long time, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also Vice-Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, said, “we have decided to approach MH One Channel for Live Aarti on the pattern of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine. If some formalities are required to be done we will not hesitate so that this facility is provided to the people in different parts of the country as early as possible”.
“If need arises we will also float tenders for Live Aarti service”, he said in response to a question.
It is pertinent to mention here that cave shrine of Shiv Khori depicts the natural formation of Shiv Lingam. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The holy cave is more than 150 meters long and houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingam. The cave is full of natural impression and images of various Hindu Deities. The number of pilgrims visiting this shrine is increasing every year and chopper as well as ropeway services would go a long way in increasing the number considerably.
