Katra, Feb 28, KDC: Continuing her public outreach programme, Mehbooba Mufti today held a “Gal Baat” interaction in the holy town of Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, where residents voiced serious concerns over the growing commercialisation of the pilgrimage and mounting civic distress in the town.
Members of the Sangarsh Samiti welcomed Ms. Mufti and appreciated her visit to listen to the grievances of the people of Katra. The Samiti brought the ropeway issue to the forefront, reiterating strong opposition to the proposed project under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. They stated that the ropeway would divert pilgrims from the traditional route, affecting the sanctity, history and livelihoods associated with it for generations.
“The traditional Yatra track sustains pony operators, pithuwalas, palki bearers, shopkeepers, transporters, hoteliers and daily wagers who have served as the true custodians of the Yatra. Any diversion of pilgrim flow without rehabilitation and consultation will devastate this entire economic chain,” a representative of the Sangarsh Samiti said.
They stressed that the impact would extend beyond Katra. “Families from surrounding villages, nearby districts and even Jammu depend on seasonal and year-round employment linked to the traditional route. This is not just about one project; it is about safeguarding the historic and sacrosanct route and the wider regional livelihood network,” the Samiti added.
The interaction took an emotional turn when a young student broke down while speaking about what he described as ecological damage being inflicted on the sacred Trikuta Hills, the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi. Referring to recent landslides, deforestation and hill cutting, the student said the fragile mountains, revered by lakhs of devotees, are being pushed beyond their ecological limits. His remarks drew strong reactions from the gathering, with several participants echoing concerns over environmental degradation.
Responding to these concerns, Mehbooba Mufti said, “The Yatra is a matter of faith and also serves as the backbone of Katra’s local economy. The people who have been custodians of this pilgrimage town for decades cannot be sidelined in decisions that affect their survival, their environment or their faith.”
She called for transparency and stakeholder consultation. “Development must be inclusive and environmentally responsible. Projects that alter the economic and ecological balance of the town must first address the concerns of those whose livelihoods and heritage are directly at stake,” she said.
Apart from the ropeway issue, residents raised serious concerns about water scarcity during peak pilgrimage seasons, inconsistent supply in residential wards and heavy dependence on private tankers. Locals said infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the rising footfall of pilgrims.
Electricity shortages and unscheduled power cuts were also highlighted, with traders stating that erratic supply disrupts business operations and daily economic activity. Participants pointed out that while Katra generates significant revenue through the Yatra, basic utilities remain unreliable.
Healthcare gaps were flagged, particularly staff shortages at the Sub-District Hospital and limited specialist availability during peak seasons. Concerns were also raised regarding higher secondary education, shortage of subject-specific lecturers and limited skill development opportunities for local youth.
The interaction concluded with a collective demand for structured dialogue on Shrine Board decisions, protection of the traditional route associated with faith and history, safeguarding of livelihoods, environmental protection of the Trikuta Hills, and a comprehensive development plan prioritising water supply, reliable electricity, sanitation, healthcare strengthening and educational improvements for the people of Katra.
