Taplejung Cable Car Project: What’s Behind the Protests?

February 4, 2025
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KATHMANDU: Tensions have risen in Taplejung following a police shooting on January 25 that left two protesters seriously wounded.

These individuals were part of the ‘No Cable Car Group’, which has been strongly opposing the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara, a region in the district.

In reaction to the police action, activists began an indefinite strike on January 28, halting four-wheeled vehicle movement across the area.

This protest has not only gained attention locally but also sparked widespread online support from across Nepal.

The ongoing dispute around the Mukkumlung Cable Car project in Taplejung has drawn significant attention due to escalating protests and the police shooting. Here’s an overview of the key facts:

The Cable Car Project

The Mukkumlung Cable Car project, led by Pathibhara Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., seeks to improve access to Pathibhara, a popular pilgrimage site, to boost tourism in Taplejung.

Approved by the government in 2018, it is part of a larger initiative to develop cable cars in scenic areas of Nepal.

The project is supported by businessman Chandra Dhakal, who also proposes similar cable car projects in other protected areas like the Annapurna Conservation Area.

While the project promises to improve transportation and attract religious tourism, it has met with strong opposition, particularly from the Limbu community.

For them, Pathibhara is a sacred site central to their Mundhum tradition, which reveres nature.

The planned cable car, requiring significant deforestation, has raised concerns about the impact on the area’s spiritual significance, leading to protests that have gained momentum.

The Controversy

Opposition to the project is most vocal among the Limbu community, who see Pathibhara as a sacred place.

The cable car’s construction threatens the cultural and spiritual integrity of the site, and environmentalists have raised alarms over the thousands of trees that have already been cut down for the project.

Protesters are demanding the cessation of the construction, the withdrawal of the heavy police presence, accountability for those responsible for the January 25 shooting, and compensation for the injured.

Additionally, they are calling for the release of three individuals they claim were wrongfully arrested.

Protests and Clashes

Protests have intensified, culminating in a police shooting on January 25 in Pathibhara, where two members of the ‘No Cable Car Group’ were injured.

In response, activists declared an indefinite strike, halting vehicle movement and attracting national attention.

Shree Lingkhim, the coordinator of the committee, criticized the government’s actions, accusing them of undermining their religious beliefs in the name of development and tourism.

He also expressed concerns about job losses for local porters and the potential harm to the hotel industry.

Protesters’ Demands

Protesters are demanding the immediate cessation of the cable car project, the removal of heavy security forces, compensation for those injured in the shooting, accountability for the police action, and the release of three individuals they claim were wrongfully arrested.

Government Response

On February 2, the government established a team to engage in talks with stakeholders to resolve the issues surrounding the cable car project.

The team, led by Joint Secretary Prem Prasad Bhattarai, includes representatives from various ministries and is tasked with resolving the dispute.

The government has urged protesters to cease their strike and participate in dialogue.

Government and Local Reactions

While the government defends the project, arguing that it will boost the local economy by increasing tourism and providing better access to elderly and disabled visitors, local authorities, including the mayor of Phungling, claim that most residents support the project.

They accuse activists from outside Taplejung of politicizing the issue.

Escalating Strikes

The Mukkumlung Conservation Joint Struggle Committee has threatened to expand their protests to neighboring districts, including Sunsari, Jhapa, Morang, Dhankuta, and Illam, if their demands are not addressed by February 1.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

Environmentalists and cultural preservationists argue that the cable car project threatens both the natural environment and the cultural sanctity of the region.

They criticize the destruction of thousands of trees, which has sparked concern among climate change activists about the project’s environmental impact.