SHILLONG: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, conducted a public consultation at the State Convention Centre on the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, seeking to address stakeholder concerns regarding environmental impact, water sources, and tree felling.
Chief Executive Officer of the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), C.V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, chaired the session, which included citizens, community representatives, and organizations such as the KSU Laban Circle.
Diengdoh clarified that the project would not affect water sources, citing PHE Department reports that only 0.2% of the catchment area would be used for tower construction, with spring sources located 500 meters to 1 km from the alignment.
He noted that the ropeway’s design minimizes tree felling and that compensatory afforestation is underway.
The project, exempt from statutory public hearings under EIA rules, has been reviewed through a social impact assessment and secured approvals from key agencies, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Airports Authority of India.
Diengdoh emphasized the ropeway’s compliance with European standards and technical expertise from POMA, a French company. The initiative, funded by the New Development Bank and the PM-DevINE scheme, aims to improve access to Shillong Viewpoint, boost tourism, and generate local employment.
MRDA remains open to dialogue, urging continued engagement with all stakeholders, including the absent Joint Action Committee.
(4FrontMedia news)
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