Shillong: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against the Shillong Ropeway Project is demanding a halt to construction. They claim the state government bypassed the public. The group wants a fresh, inclusive hearing regarding the impact on the Lum Shyllong catchment area.
The JAC questioned a September 27, 2022, consultation held at Lumshatsngi Community Hall. Officials from the Forest Department, the Meghalaya Institute of Governance, and various local dorbars attended that meeting. The committee alleges the event lacked outreach and only featured project supporters. They argue local leaders cannot unilaterally approve a project affecting the entire city.
“A handful of Rangbah Shnong cannot decide what the people of this area and the people of Shillong as a whole want,” the committee said. Members maintain that the public must decide if the environmental cost to the forest and water supply is worth the trade-off. They are asking the Tourism and Forest & Environment departments to pause progress until the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun organizes a transparent forum.
The government plans to ramp up work after the monsoon. Foreign equipment for the project is already arriving. While the official deadline is October 2028, the company hopes to finish early. A pending trading license from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council remains the final administrative barrier. The local headman issued an NOC, but the council has not approved the permit. State officials claim they will not interfere with the council process.
The Raid Laban Dorbar Pyllun continues to back the project. They want the government to speed up work first proposed four years ago. The state insists the ropeway will not harm the environment or water sources. However, the JAC remains firm. They state they will accept any result if a genuine majority of residents votes in favor.
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