Amid concerns over the environmental impact of the ongoing Shillong Ropeway Project, the State Government on Saturday called stakeholders for an inspection and meeting and clarified that the project has not caused any environmental degradation.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, RM Kurbah, responded to queries raised by the Rangbah Shnong and citizens during the meeting.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection and meeting, Kurbah clarified that there is no water source near the project site.
She also said that the height of the ropeway was initially planned to be much lower. However, after realising that the project could affect trees measuring up to 25 metres in height, the Government prepared a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR), increasing the height of the cable car and stations.
Kurbah further clarified that the Government has affected only 545 trees for the construction of the stations. She said the Government is planting many more trees in compensation and added that if land is provided, more trees would be planted.
Meanwhile, Iosterson Sun, President of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun Shnong, said that the Dorbar supports the project and would extend all possible support for its timely completion.
JP Singh, Resident Manager and Project Head of KEC-TCL, said that the company would execute the ropeway project with safety as its priority. He said the official deadline for completion is 2028, but the company expects to complete the project well ahead of schedule.