Shillong: The Joint Action Committee Against the Shillong Ropeway Project abandoned a government meeting on Thursday. The committee demands the project be scrapped or relocated from Lum Shyllong within four days. They are now deep into a 10-day ultimatum. Failure to act will lead to severe escalation.
JAC president Deborah Marbaniang rejected the Tourism Department presentation. She claims the 2022 public hearing was illegitimate. JAC secretary Dr. Linda Marbaniang called the earlier hearing a sham, stating, “It is a lie that there was a public hearing.” The group insists the project ignores vital water sources like the Umiam reservoir and Wah Umngot.
Tourism Commissioner Cyril V.D. Diengdoh defended the project. He stated the Meghalaya Institute of Governance managed the consultation with the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. While Diengdoh claimed the department lacked specific details on 2022 attendance, he maintained the towers sit on a ridge away from water. He noted the project holds clearances from the Army, Air Force, and Airports Authority of India. He views the ropeway as a green transport tool to cut tourist traffic.
The JAC remains unmoved. They cited 2007 Gauhati High Court proceedings and a 2021 National Green Tribunal case regarding catchment safety. They also highlighted Wildlife Institute of India data showing local presence of Chinese pangolin, leopard cat, large Indian civet, and yellow-throated marten. An online petition against the project has topped 3,000 signatures. JAC member Venetia Mawlong confirmed the group will not compromise on their demands.
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