Shillong: Opposition leader Titosstarwell Chyne wants the VPP-led Executive Committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to hold its ground. The council must defend its decision to seal the construction site for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project at Madan Laban. Officials shut down the site on October 27, but the East Khasi Hills district administration removed those notices on November 4.
Chyne warned the council against backtracking under state pressure. He insisted that the KHADC must prove its legal basis for the move. The council’s Enforcement Wing, led by Inspector Kordor Synrem, evicted staff and seized equipment during the initial October operation. Chyne argues that the joint venture of KEC International and Tantia Construction needs a trading license to work within Sixth Schedule jurisdiction.
He noted that rules apply regardless of whether the land belongs to the state, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, or local community groups. "Whenever the EC takes any action that has a sound basis, it must stand by that decision," Chyne said. He cautioned that a fight between the state government and the KHADC could trigger serious consequences.
The project sits at a 151-crore price tag. Chyne supports growth but worries about the environment. He reminded officials of a previous 2015-16 proposal to link Mawsynram and Sohra via ropeway under the Mukul Sangma government. That plan vanished before breaking ground. While he remains open to relocating the current project if needed, he believes local residents should hold the final say. He expects the council to stay firm on the licensing requirements.
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