Shillong, Oct 16: The Meghalaya Tourism Department has defended the clearances and consultations undertaken for the proposed Laban ropeway project, as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) prepares to stage a protest on Saturday over concerns surrounding the initiative.
Director of Tourism B. L. Pakyntein said the department had held a meeting with the JAC on Thursday to address its concerns and explain the steps taken towards implementing the project.
The meeting, chaired by Commissioner and Secretary R. M. Kurbah, was attended by officials from various departments. During the meeting, the Commissioner and Secretary and the project’s environmental specialist made a presentation detailing the measures undertaken and permissions obtained from the concerned authorities.
Pakyntein said the department had secured the necessary permissions, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dorbar Shnong, and entered into a lease agreement before proceeding with the project.
On concerns over the public hearing, she said the department had written to all seven Rangbah Shnongs, requesting them to mobilise residents to participate in the process. She said the approach was consistent with the established practice of engaging communities through their traditional village authorities.
The director further explained that the tender process was initiated after the Dorbar Shnong issued its NOC. The selected contractor was required to obtain the necessary licences, including a trading licence from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
However, the trading licence remains pending following objections raised by the JAC, Pakyntein acknowledged.
Rejecting allegations that the project had been pursued without adequate public information, she maintained that the department had been sharing details of the proposed initiative and that it was incorrect to suggest the project had been undertaken secretly.
Describing the ropeway as an iconic project for Meghalaya, Pakyntein also referred to the environmental clearance obtained for the initiative and said the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the project had been disposed of by the Meghalaya High Court.
The proposed project has drawn objections from the JAC, which has raised concerns over its implementation and related procedures.
Pakyntein said the Tourism Department remained open to further discussions with the concerned groups to address their apprehensions and clarify any outstanding issues.
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