By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Feb.
8
The Pathibhara Devi Darshan Cable Car Limited said on Saturday that the
construction of the cable car will not disturb the surrounding environment,
beauty and cultural heritage at the Pathibhara area.
“The cable car's upper station will have only basic facilities for
pilgrims, such as water, toilets, and oxygen. Beyond these necessities, no
additional structures will be built, ensuring that the temple complex and its
surrounding environment, beauty, and cultural heritage will remain unaffected,”
the company said.
According to it, the cable car's construction will provide easy access
for children, the elderly, physically disabled individuals, and those unable to
walk uphill or downhill, thus benefiting all pilgrims and tourists. It will not
obstruct the existing walking path for those who wish to travel on foot.
Upon completion, the Rs. 3 billion project will directly create jobs for
around 300 people, with priority given to about 80 per cent of locals.
“As with previous tourism infrastructure projects by the IME Group,
locals will have opportunities to invest in and own shares in the venture. The
cable car is expected to boost the number of visitors and play a significant
role in promoting local products, such as agricultural goods and handicrafts,”
chairman of the company, Chandra Prasad Dhakal said at a press conference
organised in the Capital on Saturday.
According to him, this will also lead to notable growth in
self-employment and businesses in sectors like hotels, restaurants and
transportation, particularly in the Mechi Highway’s Jhapa and the Baraha region
of the Tamor Corridor in Sunsari. Consequently, this will increase the state’s
tax and revenue collection.
The press meet was organised in the wake of the series of protests
organised by the local and ethnic groups in the district and Koshi Province as
well as in the capital which resulted in a negotiation with the government and
temporary suspension of the construction work.
In recent months, there has been some criticism claiming that the cable
car could damage the historical and cultural identity of the Pathibhara Temple.
Although discussions around building a cable car to the temple began four
decades ago, Pathibhara Devi Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. was established in
2015, and in 2018, the project received approval from the Cabinet.
The project gained momentum around two years ago when the IME Group took
a significant stake in the venture, aiming to build cable cars at tourism
destinations across all seven provinces of Nepal. After obtaining all the
necessary permits, the project was included under the national priority plan.
Land rights were secured, and the necessary tree-cutting and environmental
clearance were completed, marking the official launch of the construction this
month.
“Despite the official launch, some individuals have begun to create
obstacles in the project’s progress, attempting to undermine private investment
and tarnish the reputations of those involved,” said Dhakal, “It is
disheartening to see these attacks, which not only target private enterprises
but also disrespect their contributions to society, the economy and national
prosperity.”
Dhakal is also the chairman of the IME Group and Federation of Nepalese
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
IME Group was involved
in the Pathibhara Cable Car just two years ago. “Discussions about building a
cable car at this sacred site began four decades ago, and the company was
officially established in 2018 to move the project forward. Therefore, the
debate on whether to build the cable car now is not helpful,” said Dhakal.
He said that
they had hold numerous discussions with local representatives, political
leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders, addressing concerns and adapting
the project as needed.
“After
completing all legal and regulatory processes, it is disheartening that efforts
to block the project persist. This undermines private sector initiatives aimed
at attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering tourism,” Dhakal said.
According to
him, it is painful to see local people leave in search of work abroad while, at
the same time, opportunities within their communities are being disputed.
The cable car will span a distance of 2.75 kilometers from the base
station in Phungling Municipality-11, near Kaflepati, to the Pathibhara Temple
complex, about 700 meters west of the temple. It will feature 36-passenger
gondolas and two cargo gondolas. After completion, the cable car will take just
10.31 minutes to reach the upper station from the base station.
Stating that due to the remote location, high altitude, and steep paths,
accessing the temple is extremely difficult for pilgrims, especially for children,
the elderly, the sick and those with disabilities, the developer company said
that the cable car will make the pilgrimage easy and economical.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 February 2025.
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