SHILLONG : Officials from the Tourism and Forest departments, along with project engineers, Shillong Municipal Board officials and representatives of the Riat Laban Dorbar Shnong, inspected the Shillong Peak (Lum Shyllong) Ropeway Project today ( Saturday) amid concerns over its impact on water sources and forests.
The inspection was led by Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary R.M. Kurbah. Officials used the walkthrough to explain the ropeway alignment, tree-felling work and measures being taken to limit environmental impact.
The Tourism Department said the 896-metre ropeway alignment does not affect the Patakhana or Wahingdoh water sources and does not pass through the main drinking-water catchment areas. Officials said the water sources are located away from the ropeway alignment, towards Lawsohtun and beyond the school area.
“The alignment had been deliberately kept away from the main catchment area,” Tourism Commissioner and Secretary R.M. Kurbah said.
The clarification addressed one of the main concerns raised locally over the project, given the importance of the surrounding catchment areas to Shillong’s water supply. The project has also undergone changes to reduce tree cutting.
According to officials, the original Detailed Project Report had placed the ropeway cable at around 25 metres, which could have required a wider clearing through the forest. Following concerns from the Forest Department, the design was revised, with the cable and tower height increased to around 35 to 40 metres.
The revised arrangement allows the gondolas to travel above the forest canopy rather than through the trees, officials said. Tree felling has been limited to the areas required for the tower bases. A total of 545 trees have been felled for the project, according to the latest report.
Compensatory afforestation is being carried out at a 1:10 ratio, meaning more than 5,400 trees are to be planted against the trees felled. The plantation is being undertaken on government-acquired land in West Khasi Hills.
Forest officials also said saplings could be provided for plantation closer to Shillong if local Dorbars make suitable land available.
Project engineers said the technical design has undergone review by IIT Delhi, while slope stabilisation and protection measures are being incorporated during construction because of the terrain.
A representative of KEC-TCL, the joint venture executing the project, said material transportation remains one of the main construction challenges. The company said slope protection and restoration measures were being carried out alongside construction.
“As a responsible company, we are taking care that we are meeting all environmental norms and ensuring nothing goes against the local ecology,” the KEC-TCL representative said.
The Riat Laban Dorbar, which has been involved in discussions over the project, expressed satisfaction after receiving the technical explanations during the inspection.
Officials have also urged residents to seek clarification from the concerned departments instead of relying on unverified claims circulating about the project.
