The Nepal Government on Friday formed a seven-member task force to address the long-running dispute surrounding the proposed cable car project in the Pathibhara area of Taplejung, a controversy that has sparked sustained protests and reached the Supreme Court.
The task force led by Bishwo Rai, Social Development Advisor to Prime Minister Balen Shah has been given 15 days to identify the issues surrounding the project and recommend possible solutions. The committee includes representatives from government agencies, the cable car company, the Pathibhara Area Development Committee and groups opposing the project.
The cable car project proposed to improve access to the Pathibhara Temple has faced opposition from sections of the Indigenous Limbu community, who regard the area as Mukkumlung, a sacred cultural and spiritual site. Protesters argue that the construction of large-scale infrastructure in the area would undermine its religious and cultural significance.
Supporters of the project, however argue that the cable car would make the shrine more accessible to pilgrims particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities while also boosting tourism and local economic activity.
The disagreement has triggered repeated protests in Taplejung and Kathmandu drawing national attention and prompting wider discussions about development projects in culturally sensitive areas. The issue has also entered the legal arena with petitions related to the project being heard by the Supreme Court.
The formation of the task force marks the government’s latest attempt to find common ground between competing concerns over infrastructure development and the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage.
Its recommendations expected within two weeks are likely to influence the future of one of Nepal’s most closely watched infrastructure projects.
