MoFAGA to address issues in Pathivara cable car construction

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has tasked the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) with troubleshooting issues related to the cable car construction in the Pathivara area.

Rishikesh Katiwada, an officer at the Home Ministry, stated that responsibility for such matters falls within the scope of MoFAGA, with regulation assigned to the concerned ministry.

The Home Ministry also urged MoFAGA to address the issues following concerns raised by stakeholders.

An altercation between police and locals protesting the cable car construction at Baludanda, above Kaflepati, on January 25, resulted in injuries to about a dozen protesters and security personnel.

Himalayan Construction commenced Pathivara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car Project on January 21, intending to facilitate access to the renowned Pathibhara Devi Temple. However, local indigenous communities have been protesting the construction, demanding the preservation of the historical name Mukumlung, halting the cable car project, and requiring the company to obtain prior informed and free consent for development work. 

In a press statement recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said the state must ensure the protection of citizens' economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights. The commission cited international conventions requiring indigenous peoples' free, prior, and informed consent for development work in their areas.

The cable car is operated and managed by IME Group.

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