Shillong: Meghalaya’s tourism department held a stakeholders’ meeting to clarify concerns over the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project’s impact on the Lum Shillong catchment.The meeting, chaired by tourism commissioner and secretary R M Kurbah, was attended by officials from various departments, members of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and representatives of the Joint Action Committee. The meeting was held on Thursday.Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA) CEO CVD Diengdoh said the Rs 151-crore project would be funded by the New Development Bank and the Centre under the PM-DevINE scheme.The proposed 913-metre ropeway would use a monocable gondola system and connect Madan Laban to an upper terminal near the existing Shillong Viewpoint. The journey is expected to take five to six minutes.Diengdoh said the project was conceived to improve access to the viewpoint, one of Meghalaya’s most visited tourist destinations. Access is currently regulated because the route passes through defence land.He said the project would create direct and indirect employment and support vendors’ livelihoods.Diengdoh said the electrically powered ropeway would produce no operational smoke. By reducing vehicle movement to the viewpoint, it is expected to help lower pollution and congestion.He clarified that the project would not be located at Lum Shillong, a sacred community site.The meeting also addressed concerns over the project’s location, water sources, air pollution and public consultation.The department said the project aims to improve access, strengthen tourism-related livelihoods and promote a more sustainable transport mode, while addressing community concerns.
