JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project was approved by the Lieutenant Governor and not by his Council of Ministers, even as he asserted that facilities for the Amarnath Yatra have never been dependent on Article 370.
The clarification came amid a heated exchange in the House after BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma claimed that the project had received approval from the cabinet. Intervening, the Chief Minister said he had personally verified the official records.
“I checked whether there was any approval by the Council of Ministers, and there was none. I also examined whether the earlier administrative council had approved it — it never came before that body either,” Abdullah said.
He added that the proposal was placed before the Lt Governor during his visit in September 2024 and was approved by him as the competent authority about a month before the formation of the present government.
Abdullah said he wanted to “set the record straight” as attempts were being made to mislead the House and, through it, the public. He also remarked that while the BJP legislator had spoken emotionally about resigning, the government neither encouraged nor sought such action.
The issue triggered sharp reactions, with National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary criticising the BJP member for allegedly misleading the Assembly. Sharma, however, later told reporters outside the House that the project could not proceed without government permission and accused the government of provoking protests in Katra.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project proposes to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the steep 12-km track to the cave shrine. Sections of local residents in Katra have opposed the project, while its supporters say it will benefit elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. Sharma said the shrine board had assured rehabilitation of affected persons.
Meanwhile, responding to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s remarks linking improved facilities for the Amarnath pilgrimage to the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah rejected the claim, stating that the pilgrimage has historically been facilitated by local people.
“Kashmiris have always helped the pilgrims reach the cave. When has the Yatra ever been possible without them? This has nothing to do with Article 370,” the Chief Minister said.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to the safety and comfort of pilgrims and noted that over 200 infrastructure works related to the pilgrimage were completed during 2025-26, with an outlay of Rs 180 crore proposed for 2026-27 to further upgrade facilities in partnership with the Border Roads Organisation.
