The Katra town has been shut down for seven consecutive days in protest against the ropeway project being developed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The shutdown was extended for another 48 hours yesterday evening, causing significant inconvenience to pilgrims. This closure is impacting the local businesses, with traders facing losses running into crores. The streets of Katra, once filled with chants of “Jai Mata Di,” are now echoing with protests against the Shrine Board and the ropeway. Since December 25, when the shutdown began, both pilgrims and local businesses have suffered. Claims are that around 40,000 people in Katra are facing a livelihood crisis due to the ropeway project. The protest is supported by a committee, and while the administration is involved, the impact on both pilgrims and commerce is being felt deeply.