Tourism Info Nepal

Pathibhara Cable Car Project: A Threat to Culture, Livelihood, and Tradition

Pathibhara Cable Car Project: A Threat to Culture, Livelihood, and Tradition

The construction of a cable car in Taplejung, particularly in the Pathibhara area, has ignited a fierce debate that is not only about development but also about the preservation of culture, religion, and livelihoods. The Pathibhara Cable Car Project, being developed and operated by Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Cable Car Darshan Pvt. Ltd. under the IME Group, has met with intense opposition from local communities, especially the Limbu/Yakthumba people. Tensions have escalated to violent clashes between agitating locals and police personnel, further raising concerns about the project’s long-term impacts.

The Cultural and Religious Impact: Undermining the Sacred Path of Mundhum

For the Limbu/Yakthumba community, the Pathibhara area holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, intertwined with their beliefs and traditions. The region is home to Pathibhara Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Kirat community.

According to the community’s sacred scripture, Mundhum, Pathibhara is not just a physical destination but a spiritual journey that connects people with their ancestors and deities. The proposed cable car threatens this sacred experience by reducing the pilgrimage to a mere tourist attraction, potentially undermining the sanctity of the pilgrimage itself.

The Mukumlung Conservation Joint Struggle Committee, a key body leading the opposition, has vehemently argued that the cable car goes against the beliefs outlined in Mundhum, as it could desecrate sacred sites and disrupt the community’s spiritual journey.

For generations, the Limbu/Yakthumba people have walked the arduous paths leading to the temple, and to them, this journey is a form of spiritual discipline that connects them with their culture, beliefs, and history. A cable car, offering a quick and mechanized ride to the top, would reduce this deeply ingrained cultural practice to a commercial activity, severely impacting the cultural identity of the people.

Economic Consequences: Displacement of Local Livelihoods

Beyond its religious implications, the cable car also poses a grave threat to the livelihoods of the people who rely on tourism and pilgrimages to sustain their lives. Reports indicate that approximately 500 to 600 individuals working as pilgrim helpers, guiding visitors to the Pathibhara Temple, could lose their jobs if the cable car project is completed. These workers have been an integral part of the local economy, offering guidance, assistance, and traditional services to the pilgrims who travel to the temple every year.

Moreover, the Pathibhara area is home to around 45 small hotels and numerous transport operators who depend on seasonal pilgrimages to earn a living. These small businesses provide food, shelter, and transportation for the hundreds of pilgrims who visit the temple. The introduction of a cable car, bypassing these local businesses, could drive many of them out of operation, leaving local families without income and a sense of stability.

The development of the cable car is being portrayed as a modern advancement that would make the region more accessible to tourists. However, for the people whose lives are built around the pilgrimage route, this is not a development but a curse. The cable car, instead of boosting local economies, could lead to the erosion of the very businesses that have sustained the local community for generations.

Loss of the Local Community’s Voice and Control

As the government and developers downplay the concerns of the locals, their fears grow that they are losing control over their destiny. The proposed project would not only bypass their businesses but also diminish their role in the tourism industry. This loss of agency and the encroachment on their spiritual and cultural practices is leading to increased anger and frustration among the local population.

Striking a Balance: The Need for Sensitivity and Inclusion

The growing protests and the violent confrontations between locals and the police highlight a crucial need for the government and developers to address the concerns of the Limbu/Yakthumba community seriously. While development projects like the Pathibhara cable car may bring in new tourists and revenue, they must not come at the cost of displacing local traditions, livelihoods, and religious beliefs.

To prevent such projects from further exacerbating tensions, any development plan in culturally sensitive areas must include comprehensive consultations with local communities, respect their cultural values, and support their economic sustainability. The government must recognize that real progress is not just about creating infrastructure but also about preserving the cultural fabric and way of life of the people who call these areas home.

The Pathibhara Cable Car Project is a divisive issue that touches on much more than just convenience or tourism. It poses a serious threat to the cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and livelihoods of the Limbu/Yakthumba community. Without careful planning and respect for local customs, this project could indeed become a curse rather than a blessing for the small business owners and residents of Pathibhara, forever altering the balance between development and preservation.

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