Meghalaya government to proceed with Rs 151-crore Shillong ropeway project
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that the state will move forward with the initiative despite ongoing opposition from certain groups.
The Meghalaya government has reaffirmed its intention to implement the proposed Rs 151-crore Shillong ropeway project, according to The Sentinel.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh warned that efforts to stop the project could damage the state's investment reputation for 40 years or more. He suggested that political instigation might be driving the opposition ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Lyngdoh confirmed that the lock on the company's premises was broken on Wednesday. He noted that the company applied for a trade licence in May and expects it to be issued soon.
The minister ruled out moving the project to a different site, noting that clearances have been obtained from Union ministries and other authorities. He addressed environmental concerns by stating that Shillong Peak is more than 3.15 km away from the project sites.
Regarding environmental regulations, Lyngdoh cited a notification from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dated April 27, 2022, which recommended excluding aerial ropeway projects from the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, provided safeguards are met.
While the government remains open to dialogue, Lyngdoh said the project will continue. He mentioned that the government is willing to take stakeholders to Sikkim to view ropeway infrastructure.