SHILLONG, JUL 28: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday sought to address public concerns over the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, stating that the project has secured all statutory approvals and is being executed with due regard to environmental and community safeguards.

In a statement, the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority under the Tourism Department said the Rs 151 crore ropeway is being developed as part of the PM-DevINE scheme.

Funding has been tied up with the New Development Bank contributing Rs 80.89 crore and the Ministry of DoNER providing Rs 70.11 crore.

Work on the 896-metre ropeway, which will have 13 cabins built to European CEN standards, is slated to begin on 15 October 2025.

Officials said the project aims to offer tourists a better commuting option while also creating local jobs and reducing vehicular traffic, and thereby emissions, to Shillong Peak. Once ready, it is expected to be among the most modern passenger ropeways in the country.

The Authority noted that the project was conceptualized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, which has leased 7,416.95 sqm of land for the purpose under an agreement signed in January 2023.

On environmental aspects, the government said forest clearance for diversion of 2.3357 hectares was accorded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 24 October 2024.

Compensatory land for tree plantation was transferred in September 2023, and due process under the Forest Rights Act was followed.

Permission to fell 544 trees was also obtained after they were duly marked.

The statement added that community consultations were conducted in September 2022 and subsequent stakeholder meetings were held.

As per EIA Notification 2006, the project does not require environmental clearance.

All security-related NOCs have also been received, including from the Airports Authority of India in April 2023, the Air Force in July 2023, and the Army in August 2023.

The government reiterated that development and conservation will go hand in hand.

It said stakeholder engagement will continue through the project period, with protection of Meghalaya’s natural heritage and creation of sustainable livelihoods remaining central to its tourism strategy.

“Protecting Meghalaya’s natural heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for its people remains a guiding principle of the government’s tourism development strategy.”

Also Read: CM meets WCOPA finalist Kitkupar Nongsiej, hails achievement as pride for Meghalaya

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