Amid opposition to tree felling, Government says design was modified to minimise environmental impact
Shillong, August 28: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has defended the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project amid concerns over tree felling, saying the project will offer visitors an experience comparable to travelling by cable car through the Swiss Alps.
Lyngdoh said the ropeway has been designed in accordance with Swiss standards and expressed confidence that, once completed, it would become one of the most distinctive tourist attractions in Shillong and Meghalaya.
Responding to opposition to tree felling at the project site, the Minister said infrastructure development in a hill station inevitably involves the removal of some trees. However, he maintained that the Government had taken steps to minimise the project’s environmental impact.
According to officials, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was revised to reduce the number of trees required to be felled. The modifications included increasing the height of the stations and altering the cable-car alignment.
The ropeway route was also realigned to avoid a crucial water catchment area and protect the Patakhana and Wahingdoh water sources.
The Government said approximately 545 trees were felled for construction of the stations and other project-related works after the necessary clearances were obtained. It has also assured that compensatory afforestation will be carried out at designated sites.
The project has nevertheless drawn concern from residents of Riat Laban and adjoining areas, who fear that tree felling could affect water sources, medicinal plants, wildlife and the wider ecology of the Shillong Peak area.
Opponents have also alleged that adequate public consultation was not conducted before construction began. Their concerns centre on the project’s potential long-term impact on the environment and on water sources relied upon by local communities.
The Government, however, has maintained that the project received all required clearances. It further stated that the technical design and environmental safeguards were reviewed by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).
Promoted as Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway, the Shillong Peak Ropeway is scheduled for completion in 2028.
