The Pathibhara Cable Car Project, a long-standing government priority, is facing opposition from local groups despite the foundation stone being laid. The project, to be developed and operated by Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Cable Car Darshan Pvt. Ltd., a company under the IME Group, now faces uncertainty due to mounting protests.

Unlike typical protests over land compensation or financial benefits, opposition to this project is primarily rooted in religious and cultural concerns. Local organizations argue that the construction of the cable car contradicts the beliefs and values outlined in Mundhum, the sacred scripture of the Kirat community. The Mukumlung Conservation Joint Struggle Committee, leading the opposition, insists that the project threatens the cultural and spiritual identity of the Limbu/Yakthumba community, who have lived in the region for centuries.

"Pathibhara is an integral part of Mundhum, the scripture and philosophy of our community," said Shri Prasad Limbu, coordinator of the committee. "If this project erases our sacred sites and disrupts our cultural traditions, it will endanger our very existence."

Beyond religious concerns, Limbu highlighted the economic impact on local livelihoods. He noted that around 500 to 600 pilgrim helpers, who guide visitors to the temple, would lose their jobs. Additionally, approximately 45 hotels in the area and around 400 transport operators, which rely on seasonal pilgrimages, would face displacement.

Clashes and Legal Battles

The opposition to the project has sparked clashes between supporters and protestors. Tensions escalated on April 25 when trees were cut down in Balludanda, Ward No. 11 of Phungling Municipality, leading to a confrontation between protestors and security personnel stationed at the site. A recent clash on January 15 also resulted in injuries on both sides.

The dispute has been ongoing for years. In 2020, opponents of the project filed a petition with the Supreme Court to halt the construction, and the case remains sub judice.

Despite the resistance, some local stakeholders and government representatives support the project, arguing that it will not significantly impact religious or cultural traditions.

An official from the Pathibhara Area Development Committee asserted that "the project can proceed while ensuring the preservation of faith and culture."

CPN (UML) leader and Taplejung MP Yogesh Bhattarai echoed similar sentiments, stating that environmental and cultural concerns have been addressed in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and environmental impact assessment.

"The cable car route is about 200 meters away from the sacred Kanchhi Dham and approximately 800 meters from the main Pathibhara temple," Bhattarai explained at a press conference. "No hotels or restaurants will be built at the top of Pathibhara, and deforestation concerns are exaggerated—only 2,112 trees will be cut, not 25,000 as some claim."

Bhattarai urged for the project's continuation while also recommending that the construction company and government allocate funds to establish a Mukumlung Park and Museum to promote local culture and traditions.

According to Rudra Poudel, an executive at the cable car company, despite the foundation stone being laid, construction has yet to make significant progress. The company had initially planned to complete the cable car within 15 months of starting construction. However, with ongoing protests and legal hurdles, the project's future remains uncertain.

History of the Cable Car Proposal

Various business groups had previously explored the possibility of building a cable car at Pathibhara. The Laxmi Group initially estimated a cost of $10 million after conducting site surveys. The Yeti Group's Pathibhara Matadevi Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. and Triveni Group's Triveni Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. also announced plans to develop the project, but Triveni eventually withdrew.

In December 2018, the Council of Ministers officially approved the construction of a cable car at Pathibhara, and Yeti Holdings took charge of the project. However, tragedy struck in February 2019 when Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari and Yeti Group chairman Ang Tshering Sherpa died in a helicopter crash near the temple. Following this, the responsibility for the cable car project shifted to the IME Group, which is now facing resistance from local communities.

With legal challenges, environmental concerns, and cultural disputes at play, the fate of the Pathibhara Cable Car Project remains in limbo.