The Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung collected just Rs 1.3 million in cash offerings last month, a sharp drop from Rs 5.57 million recorded during the same period last year, according to the Pathibhara Area Development Committee.
This significant decline in donations mirrors the plummeting number of visitors to the temple. Between mid-February and mid-March (Phagun), only around 7,400 devotees visited the sacred site, compared to around 17,900 during the same period last year. Committee Executive Director Prajin Hangbang attributed the downturn to ongoing protests against a cable car project.
The project, being developed by a subsidiary of IME Group, has met strong opposition from a section of the indigenous Limbu community and local organizations. The Mukkumlung Struggle Committee argues that the project threatens their cultural heritage and the environment.
Although the foundation stone was laid in November with a 15-month completion target, resistance to the project has intensified since the beginning of land leveling work.
Several rounds of negotiations between protestors and the government have failed to reach a resolution.
Meanwhile, private sector associations, including the FNCCI, currently led by IME Group’s Chairman Chandra Dhakal, have accused protestors of creating an unfavorable investment climate in Nepal.
Pathibhara remains a major religious and tourist hub, attracting an estimated 300,000 visitors annually, with peak crowds during major festivals.
The headline has been updated for clarity.
(With inputs from RSS)
