Shillong: The Shillong Ropeway project is mired in controversy as costs climb to 151 crore rupees. The initial budget sat at 108 crore. The project aims to link Riat Laban to Shillong Peak using a system designed by French firm POMA. It features 13 eight-seater glass cabins. The setup will move 600 passengers per hour. Travel time will drop to four minutes. Terminal stations will include food courts and recreational areas.
Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai slammed the plan. He challenged the decision to plant replacement trees in South West Khasi Hills. The work destroys forest in the Lum Shyllong catchment area. This zone is a vital watershed for Shillong. Nine water sources sit near the alignment. It also holds spiritual value as the home of the guardian deity, Lei Shyllong. Shullai stated, "If trees are cut in a critical catchment area, replantation must occur in the same location to restore ecological balance. Planting trees elsewhere defies logic."
Shullai also accused the joint venture firms, KEC International and Tantia Construction, of working without a valid trading licence from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. He claims this violates the 1952 Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation. Shullai pushed for a 600-metre road route instead. The government ignored his plan. A Public Interest Litigation remains pending in the High Court.
The Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem is demanding more documents before granting a No Objection Certificate. He requires approval from 11 clans and seven Dorbar Shnongs. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Authority claims all clearances are valid. They plan to fell 544 trees. This is up from an initial estimate of 324. They promised a 10 to 1 replantation ratio.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira dismissed public worry. He insisted all legal requirements were met. New Development Bank provided 80.89 crore rupees. The PM-DevINE scheme added 70.11 crore. Residents and the Joint Action Committee Against Shillong Ropeway Project remain concerned. They fear for their water springs. They also worry about construction debris dumping.
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