Shillong, August 09: The Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun today called for a joint inspection at Madan Laban at the proposed site of the Ropeway Project together with the Government of Meghalaya including Officials of Tourism Department, Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), Forest and Environment, PHED, SMB and others.
The inspection was arranged following concerns raised by residents about the project, including claims of tree cutting and the possible effects on local drinking water supplies.
The joint visit provided an opportunity for officials and community representatives to undertake an on-ground assessment and discuss the issues raised by the residents of the area.
This collaborative assessment was carried out by a diverse group of key stakeholders, bringing together government officials, site engineers, and members of the local Dorbar.
The inspection team comprised administrative representatives from the Directorate of Tourism, the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), alongside technical leads and engineering teams, all working in direct dialogue with the representatives from the Rait Laban Dorbar Pyllun.
Furthermore, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Territorial for East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi District were present along with their team to actively address environmental concerns.
As part of an inspection at Madan Laban (the proposed lower terminal point) of the Ropeway Project site, Smt. Rosetta Mary Kurbah, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the significance of the project.
She stated that following clearance from the Forest Department, authorisation was granted to fell of a total of 544 trees for the construction of towers as part of the ongoing Shillong Ropeway Project. In keeping with the need to protect the watershed, the project has been relocated to an alternative viable site.
She clarified that the ropeway was initially proposed with cable cars at a height of 25 metres. However, considering the potential damage to trees, the State government rejected this proposal and approved a revised height of 40 metres for the cable towers, each with a base measuring 12×12 metres. She noted that a key feature of the project is its commitment to forest conservation, reflecting a safe and environmentally secure approach.
Addressing concerns raised over the felling of the 544 trees and its potential impact, the Commissioner and Secretary explained that trees are being cleared only where necessary for the construction of stations and the erection of cable towers, and that compensatory afforestation will be undertaken as mandated by the concerned authorities. A total of six towers, each 40 metres in height, will be installed as part of the project.
She further emphasised that the project will not only attract tourists but also benefit local communities in the region and assured that it would not cause any significant disturbance to the environment.
Addressing specific apprehensions at the lower terminal, the Joint CEO of MRDA provided a clear clarification against concerns of soil erosion and landslides potentially caused by the felling of trees, stating that all necessary protective measures to mitigate these risks have been incorporated into the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Additionally, Officers and Engineers of Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) clarified that there are no water sources, especially drinking water, in the area, which was also reinforced by the Representatives of the Shnongs during their address.
The Riat Dorbar Circle went on to inform the gathering that the land for the project has been leased for this purpose and that there are no environmental concerns, as the allotted plot is an existing designated site.
Following the review at Madan Laban, the delegation also inspected the proposed upper terminal site near Shillong Peak to ensure a holistic assessment of the project’s scope, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to a comprehensive and careful review of the entire ropeway infrastructure.
Later during the visit, the delegation went to the upper terminal and found that there was no felling of trees over there. This on-site verification was crucial in ousting concerns about potential destruction to the catchment area at that location.
This joint inspection underscores the State’s continued commitment to ensuring that tourism and mobility development is conducted transparently, carefully balancing community perspectives with the region’s long-term infrastructure and economic goals.
