Shillong, October 28: The Meghalaya Tourism Department has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against an official of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for allegedly trespassing on government property, sealing the office of the company engaged for the Shillong Ropeway Project and seizing materials from the premises. The FIR was lodged on Tuesday following the KHADC’s decision to seal the contractor’s office over allegations that the company was operating without a valid trading licence.
On Tuesday, a KHADC team led by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winstone Tony Lyngdoh, accompanied by Enforcement personnel, sealed the office after alleging that the contractor had commenced operations without obtaining the mandatory trading licence.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Rossetta Mary Kurbah strongly objected to the KHADC’s action, describing it as an intrusion into government jurisdiction and stating that the department was compelled to initiate legal proceedings. “When they trespass on government property, it becomes a serious matter. Yesterday, we lodged an FIR against the KHADC official who sealed the office and seized materials. We are now compelled to proceed according to law because they have forcibly entered government premises,” Kurbah said.
Explaining the background of the project, Kurbah said the Shillong Ropeway Project was initiated in 2022 with the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), while its foundation stone was laid by President Droupadi Murmu in 2024. She stated that several rounds of consultations had been held with the Dorbar Shnongs and residents of Lum Shat Sngi over the years. She also clarified that the proposed upper terminal falls under the jurisdiction of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, while the lower terminal is situated on government land.
Referring to the project’s funding requirements, Kurbah explained that the New Development Bank (NDB), which is financing the project, requires the contractor to establish a temporary camp and office facilities before construction work begins. She categorically denied allegations that construction of the ropeway had already commenced, maintaining that no work had been undertaken on the six proposed pillars. “Till date, construction of the ropeway project has not started. Not even a single nail and work on the six proposed pillars has not begun,” she asserted.
According to Kurbah, the activities undertaken so far were limited to preliminary preparations, including site levelling, construction of an access road and soil testing to assess the suitability of the proposed site. She further informed that the contractor had initiated the process of obtaining the necessary permissions in May 2026. The company obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun in May and subsequently applied for a trading licence from the KHADC, besides seeking an NOC from the office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem.
Kurbah said the KHADC had issued a show-cause notice to the contractor in July, to which the company submitted its reply on September 2, 2026. She added that the contractor had also obtained an NOC from the Dorbar San Kur Khatwei Kur of Riat Laban.
Defending the establishment of the contractor’s temporary office and workers’ accommodation, Kurbah maintained that such facilities were permissible under Section 32(2) of the Meghalaya Ropeway Act, 2022, which allows preparatory activities before the actual implementation of the project. She reiterated that no major construction work had begun and that the activities carried out so far were restricted to site preparation and technical assessments.
Meanwhile, responding to questions regarding the ongoing opposition to the project, Kurbah said discussions were continuing and the Tourism Department remained willing to engage with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Ropeway Project. “Discussions are continuing, and we will try to engage with the JAC since the project falls within the Riat Laban area,” she said.
