Shillong, Oct 15: The joint action committee (JAC) opposing the Shillong Peak ropeway project resolved to continue its agitation today after a meeting with the state Tourism Department failed to reach a conclusion.
JAC secretary Linda Marbaniang reiterated the committee’s demand to stop the project at its proposed location in Lum Shyllong and shift it to a more suitable site, citing concerns over deforestation, water scarcity and the impact on the local environment.
“We have not come to a conclusion but we have decided as the joint action committee that we will go forward. We are firm in our message that we will not stop this agitation,” Marbaniang said after the meeting.
She said residents of Laban and adjoining areas were concerned about the long-term consequences of tree felling, particularly amid concerns over water availability in Shillong. Hundreds of trees have been cut down for the project.
“Our need of the hour is water. We do not want the ropeway there. Please take it somewhere else, where people are in need,” she said, adding that residents were worried about the impact on forests, fresh air, medicinal plants and wildlife.
The JAC secretary also questioned the Tourism Department’s assertion that the tree felling had not affected any catchment areas. She argued that the loss of tree cover could have environmental consequences and said residents had already experienced unusually hot weather.
On the question of why residents had not opposed the project earlier, Marbaniang claimed that the local community had not been informed about the project and that no public hearing had been held.
She said residents became aware of the issue after noticing trees being felled. Work had stopped for some time following the filing of a public interest litigation (PIL), she claimed, but resumed later, prompting the community to organise its opposition.
Meanwhile, the JAC has called for a peaceful rally on October 17, starting at 10am from Laban Last Stop and proceeding to the project site at the Sericulture Farm.
Marbaniang appealed to residents of Shillong to participate in the rally, stressing that the committee intended to maintain peace and avoid any law-and-order situation.
The meeting with the Tourism Department was chaired by Commissioner and Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah. Director of Tourism Brenda Lee Pakyntien said the department would submit a report to the government following the discussions.
