Shillong, Oct 15: The Meghalaya government has convened a stakeholder meeting on Thursday to discuss the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project amid mounting opposition from local residents and civil society groups demanding that the project be scrapped from Lum Shyllong and relocated to a non-sensitive site.
According to a notice issued by the Tourism Department on October 14, the meeting is scheduled for 2.30 pm in Committee Room-II of the Main Secretariat Building in Shillong. It will be chaired by R. M. Kurbah, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya’s Tourism Department.
The meeting will bring together key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, the Chief Executive Officer of the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority, the Superintendent of Police, the Director of Tourism, the Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) and representatives of Meghalaya Age Limited.
The government has also invited representatives of the Joint Action Committee Against the Shillong Ropeway Project and for the Protection of the Lum Shyllong Catchment, including its president, D. Marbaniang, and secretary, L. Marbaniang.
The consultation comes amid sustained resistance from the Joint Action Committee, residents of Laban Pyllun, Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya and other concerned citizens.
Ahead of the meeting, the groups reiterated their demand for the complete scrapping of the proposed ropeway at Lum Shyllong and its relocation to a site that does not pose risks to the environment and local communities.
The proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway is intended to boost tourism, ease traffic congestion along narrow hill roads and offer visitors panoramic views of the Khasi Hills.
However, its proposed location at Lum Shyllong has drawn objections from environmental activists and community organisations. The area serves as a vital catchment for the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, which supplies drinking water to the city.
Opponents argue that construction activities, including foundation work, potential tree loss and increased commercial activity, could threaten the catchment’s ecological integrity and water security.
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