Shillong: Opposition leader Mukul Sangma confronted the state government on Wednesday regarding the environmental safety of the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway. He demanded proof that the project will not damage the region’s fragile biodiversity. Sangma insisted that officials must look beyond paperwork to address potential harm to wildlife, flora, and fauna.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma defended the initiative. He noted the project utilizes gap funding through PM-DevINE. He told the Assembly that the state followed all mandatory procedures. This included public hearings and forest clearances required by the central government. The Chief Minister promised to provide all relevant records to the House.
The debate shifted to tourism planning. Mukul Sangma slammed the state's current mapping approach as piecemeal. He urged officials to stop relying on isolated projects. He instead pushed for a connected network that captures rural gems like Slang A∙bri and Tasek Wari. The Chief Minister countered that 144 current projects already follow a strategic mapping exercise. He added that the state has trained 6,196 hospitality workers over three years. Another 2,186 are currently enrolled in training courses. Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira revealed plans for eight new luxury hotels in Shillong, Umiam, Sohra, New Shillong, and Tura.
Lawmakers also tangled over the Rongjeng-Mangsang-Adokgre road. Mukul Sangma called the Ministry of DoNER’s decision to cut the road's scope a U-turn. Originally sanctioned in 2017, the road project faced significant budget reductions. The Ministry slashed funding from Rs 210 crore to Rs 123.28 crore. This forced a drop from 38 km to 22 km.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed physical progress remains at 97 per cent. He assured the House that the missing 16-km stretch would shift to a World Bank-funded project. The government expects completion by 2026. Mukul Sangma remained critical of the state's passive approach to these central funding cuts. He stated, "Government is government, whether the Government of India or the state government." He argued that the state should have fought harder to protect the vital interstate route for farmers and trade.
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