Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The South Shillong Advisory Committee wants a fresh, independent scientific study on the Rs 151-crore Shillong Peak Ropeway project. Led by BJP minister Sanbor Shullai, the committee handed a formal resolution to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. They argue that experts from institutions like the IITs or NITs must evaluate how the construction affects local water supplies. This move follows heated pushback from the Joint Action Committee and other stakeholders.
The committee warned the state about dragging its feet. They fear that stalling will bloat the final bill and hurt the public wallet. As the resolution stated, "Further delay in the implementation will only lead to a huge financial escalation in the project which in turn will have a bearing on the public exchequer." They believe an expert review offers the best path forward to protect the constituency's interests.
Tensions remain high on the ground. Protesters gathered Thursday near the state secretariat to demand the project's cancellation. Police cleared the area and hauled demonstrators away for breaking local district orders. The 913-metre ropeway aims to link Madan Laban to Shillong Peak using a mix of funding. This includes an Rs 80.89-crore loan from the New Development Bank and Rs 70.11 crore from the central PM-DevINE scheme.
Residents and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council previously flagged issues regarding missing trading licenses and environmental risks. Despite this, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh insists the government will push ahead. He maintains that talks will continue, but the project is staying on the books.
Comments