Shillong, Aug 20: Amid growing concerns over the felling of trees for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project at Madan Laban, Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai met Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today to highlight the issue.
The ropeway project, which was formalised through an agreement in 2022 between the Meghalaya government and the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, began construction in March 2025. However, there have been concerns expressed in a PIL in the High Court regarding the felling of trees for the project.
Although the government is required to plant trees in compensation for the number felled, it has been pushed to plant trees within the Lawsohtun area and not in other districts.
“The people of the area have always supported the project since the agreement was signed in 2022 and we continue to welcome it,” Shullai said today. “However, concerns have emerged following the recent felling of trees near a critical catchment area, which is directly linked to the water security of our community and Shillong city.”
He stressed that the community is not opposed to developmental projects, as such initiatives bring employment opportunities for the youth. “But since the construction began, residents have approached me with complaints. As a representative, I called a meeting with the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, the original signatories of the agreement, to seek clarity on whether more trees will be felled and if the nearby catchment area will be affected,” he added.
The MDC pointed out that while the High Court has appointed Special Officers to inspect the site in connection with a PIL filed by Geraldine G Shabong, local Dorbars and stakeholders have not been adequately involved in the process.
Shullai described his meeting with the Tourism Minister as “fruitful,” stating that Lyngdoh assured him a joint inspection would soon be carried out with all stakeholders, including local Dorbar Shnong, community leaders and the Tourism Department.
Apart from the ropeway concerns, Shullai also raised the desire for a fire station in the area. He said Lyngdoh, who also holds the Textiles portfolio, has agreed to facilitate discussions regarding the possible use of 18 acres of land owned by the Textile Department at Lawsohtun Block 6.
According to Shullai, Home Minister Prestone Tynsong had earlier assured that the government would sanction the fire station if suitable land was identified.
