Shillong, Oct 19: Taking another stab at resolving the opposition to the Shillong Ropeway project, government officials have called for a meeting with multiple stakeholders, including the joint action committee (JAC) formed to oppose the initiative, on October 22.
Talks between the state and JAC collapsed last week, prompting citizens to launch rallies and issue a 10-day ultimatum to scrap or relocate the project.
The project is being implemented by the Department of Tourism through the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA). The meeting will be co-chaired by the MRDA’s CEO and the Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism at 4:30pm at the State Convention Centre here.
Invitations have been issued to district police and civil authorities, forest officials, traditional institutions, including the headmen of seven local Dorbars from Riat Laban, and the JAC.
The JAC has claimed that the proposed construction on the ecologically sensitive Lum Shyllong threatens vital catchment areas that serve as the primary drinking water source for many parts of the city. Opponents have claimed that the residents of Riat Laban were not consulted before work on the project began, which has led to more than 500 trees being felled.
