Raphael Warjri

The Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun on Saturday convened a joint inspection at Madan Laban, the proposed lower terminal of the Shillong Ropeway Project, following concerns over tree felling, environmental impact and possible effects on drinking water sources.

The inspection brought together officials from the Tourism Department, Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), Forest & Environment Department, PHED, Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), site engineers and representatives of the local Dorbar.

Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism Department, Smt. Rosetta Mary Kurbah, said Forest Department clearance had been obtained for the felling of 544 trees required for the construction of stations and ropeway towers. She said the project alignment had been shifted to an alternative site to protect the watershed.

She said the original proposal envisaged 25-metre towers but was revised to 40-metre-high towers to minimise damage to trees. The project will have six towers, while compensatory afforestation will be undertaken as mandated.

The Joint CEO of MRDA said measures to prevent soil erosion and landslides had been incorporated into the Detailed Project Report (DPR). PHED and SMB officials also clarified that there are no drinking water sources at the proposed lower terminal site.

The Riat Dorbar Circle stated that the land had been leased for the project and was an existing designated site.

The delegation later inspected the proposed upper terminal near Shillong Peak, where no tree felling was found. The inspection was aimed at addressing concerns over possible damage to the catchment area.

The joint exercise highlighted the Government's efforts to balance infrastructure and tourism development with environmental safeguards and community concerns.