SHILLONG — The proposed Shillong ropeway is facing another pushback, with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Ropeway announcing a peace rally on October 10 over the project’s alignment and its possible impact on water sources and the surrounding area.
The rally will start at 11 am from Red Cross in Laban and proceed towards the project site. Residents from Laban, Lumparing, Lawsohtun, Lumsohphoh, Madan Laban and nearby areas attended a meeting on Friday where the decision was taken.
The JAC has been particularly objecting to the proposed alignment through Lum Shyllong. Its members have questioned whether the project could affect local water sources and the surrounding environment. They have also questioned the earlier public consultation and are demanding wider participation from residents who could be affected.
The issue became more visible after construction work and tree cutting began at the project site. Residents raised concerns, following which officials from several departments carried out a joint inspection of the area. The government has maintained that the ropeway will not affect the water sources identified by residents. Officials have said the relevant project stretch does not contain a water source and that changes were made to the design to reduce the impact on trees.
Tree cutting remains one of the contentious points. The government has said 544 trees were cut at six tower locations, while compensatory plantation of 5,044 trees was carried out on government land.
The ropeway is planned to connect Madan Laban with the Shillong Peak area, with the project designed as a passenger ropeway to improve connectivity and promote tourism. The original detailed project report placed the project cost at around ₹175 crore.
The JAC, however, wants work stopped until the alignment is reviewed and further consultation is held with affected communities.
There is also a different position within the area. Raid Laban Dorbar Pyllun has expressed support for the ropeway project, meaning the project has both local backing and organised opposition.
