Bijli Mahadev Ropeway: Green Light or Greenwash?
The National Highways and Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) has staunchly defended its controversial Bijli Mahadev ropeway project, asserting full compliance with all necessary forest clearances and environmental regulations. The statement follows ongoing protests by local communities.
However, the protests continue unabated, fuelled by deep-seated anxieties regarding the extensive tree felling and the alleged lack of meaningful community consultation prior to project commencement. Accusations of insufficient transparency have further intensified the situation.
The issue has taken on a distinctly political hue, with several prominent figures demanding a transparent and open dialogue with affected communities. Calls for an independent environmental impact assessment are growing louder.
The escalating tensions highlight a critical need for greater accountability and transparency in large-scale infrastructure projects impacting ecologically sensitive areas and local populations. The Bijli Mahadev ropeway project serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict when development overshadows community concerns and environmental safeguards. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the project’s future and the government’s response to the escalating crisis.
