Shillong, August 8: A joint site inspection was conducted at Madan Laban, the proposed lower terminal of the Shillong Ropeway Project, following concerns raised by local residents over tree felling and the possible impact of the project on drinking water supplies.
The inspection was called by the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and involved representatives of the Meghalaya government, Tourism Department, Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), Forest and Environment Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Shillong Municipal Board and other stakeholders. Government officials, engineers and representatives of the local Dorbar carried out an on-site assessment and discussed the concerns raised by residents.
During the inspection, Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah said that following Forest Department clearance, permission had been granted to fell a total of 544 trees for construction of towers and other works associated with the ongoing Shillong Ropeway Project. She said the project had been shifted to an alternative viable site to protect the watershed.
Kurbah said the ropeway was initially proposed with cable cars at a height of 25 metres. However, considering the potential damage to trees, the government rejected the proposal and approved a revised height of 40 metres for the cable towers, with each tower having a base measuring 12 metres by 12 metres.
Responding to concerns over the felling of 544 trees, she said trees would be cleared only where necessary for the construction of stations and erection of towers. Compensatory afforestation would also be undertaken as mandated by the authorities. The project will have six towers, each 40 metres high.
The Tourism official maintained that the project would help attract tourists and benefit local communities while not causing any significant disturbance to the environment.
Meanwhile, the Joint CEO of MRDA addressed apprehensions about possible soil erosion and landslides due to tree felling, saying that necessary protective measures had been incorporated into the Detailed Project Report.
Officials and engineers from the PHE Department and Shillong Municipal Board also clarified that there are no water sources, particularly drinking water sources, in the area, a point that was also supported by representatives of the local Shnongs.
The Riat Dorbar Circle informed the gathering that the land had been leased for the project and maintained that there were no environmental concerns as the allotted plot was an existing designated site.
Following the inspection at Madan Laban, the delegation visited the proposed upper terminal near Shillong Peak. According to the Tourism Department, the team found no tree felling at the upper terminal site, which it said helped address concerns over possible damage to the catchment area.
The Tourism Department said the joint inspection was part of the government’s effort to ensure transparency in the project while balancing community concerns with the state’s infrastructure and economic development goals.
