Pathibhara Temple Cable Car Project: Protecting Indigenous rights versus development in Nepal

Critics argue that these infrastructure projects benefit investors — not locals

Originally published on Global Voices

Protest on February 23, 2025. Image by National Indigenous Women's Federation (NIWF). Used with permission.

A controversial cable car project has been proposed in the sacred site of Pathibhara (Mukkumlung) in eastern Nepal, home to the Indigenous Yakthung (Limbu) community. Local residents from the Limbu community are opposing the project, arguing that it will harm their historical and cultural heritage.