SHILLONG: The debate over the proposed Shillong Ropeway project has intensified, with concerns about environmental impact and long-term necessity fueling public discussion across the region.
Amidst mounting opposition, former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has urged critics to evaluate the project based on local endorsement, regulatory clearances, and its potential socio-economic benefits.
Lyngdoh emphasized that the ropeway was originally conceptualized at the request of the Raid Laban Pyllun—a collective representing all local Dorbar Shnong in the area—and had the full backing of local MLA Sanbor Shullai.
He noted that ongoing construction is already generating direct economic returns for the community, providing employment to local masons and workers from Lawsohtun.
Lyngdoh expressed skepticism over the timing of the resistance, which has emerged more than two years after the project’s inception, and questioned the motives behind the sudden pushback. He reassured the public that the ropeway promises to be transformative for both local agriculture and the tourism sector.
Designed as a major tourist attraction, the ropeway will also streamline local commerce by enabling farmers to transport their produce from the base to the summit of Shillong Peak in just three minutes.
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Modeled after Switzerland’s renowned alpine cable car networks, the installation is set to become the first of its kind in an Indian hill station.
Addressing environmental objections, including claims of disruption to local wildlife, Lyngdoh pointed out that issues such as monkey nuisances have existed in the area for over fifteen years and cannot be attributed to the ropeway’s construction.
He further underlined that all technical and ecological aspects were rigorously evaluated before the project received clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with support from the highest levels of national administration.
(4FrontMedia news)
