Shillong, Jul 29: The state government’s cable car project has encountered something of a snag after a public interest litigation (PIL) was begun against it in the Meghalaya High Court, challenging the widespread felling of trees in the forested Lawsohtun area.
“The PIL has certainly slowed things down. But we’ve now informed the High Court that all necessary permissions, including clearance from the relevant Ministry, were acquired before we began work on-site. So, we’re hopeful that the project will now gain momentum,” Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh told reporters today.
He stressed that the project was not started arbitrarily and that it was only after receiving proper approvals that any work commenced. “Tree felling was carried out as part of the sanctioned clearances obtained from the Union Ministry of Social Forestry, Forest and Environment. We have strictly adhered to all legal and regulatory frameworks,” he assured.
When asked about compensatory afforestation, the minister said that replanting and restoration efforts will be undertaken once the ropeway construction is complete. “Our current priority is to ensure the project gets the green light to proceed. Once it’s launched, afforestation will follow accordingly,” he explained.
The lawyer for the petitioner has already argued in court that the reforestation plan will see trees planted in another district, which will not benefit Lawsohtun.
The PIL will next be heard on Wednesday.
