Shillong, Aug 8: The Meghalaya government has confirmed that 545 trees have been felled for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, but said the alignment has been designed to stay clear of critical catchment zones and will not impact the Patakhana and Wahingdoh water sources that supply parts of the city.
The disclosure was made during a meeting and site inspection held on Saturday to address growing concerns over the environmental impact of the state’s first major passenger ropeway project. The meeting was attended by district administration officials, representatives of concerned government departments and members of local Dorbars.
Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary R. M. Kurbah said the tree felling was undertaken only after obtaining the required statutory clearances. She explained that the initial design of the project had envisaged a lower ropeway height. However, during detailed surveys it was found that trees reaching around 25 metres could be affected by the alignment. Following this, the government revised the Detailed Project Report and increased the height of the ropeway cable cars and stations to minimise tree cutting.
Kurbah also sought to address concerns over the impact of the project on water sources. She said there are no water sources in the immediate vicinity of the project site that would be adversely affected by construction. The alignment, she added, had been deliberately kept away from the main catchment area, and both the Patakhana and Wahingdoh water sources would not be affected by the project.
Officials said large-scale plantation activities are being undertaken as compensation for the trees felled for the project. They added that additional trees would be planted if more land is made available for plantation drives in the district.
The meeting and subsequent site inspection were held as part of efforts to address concerns raised by local residents and Dorbars over tree felling, protection of water sources and the overall environmental impact of the project.
On safety concerns, officials said the design and safety standards of the ropeway had been reviewed by IIT Delhi. Various technical measures, including ground stabilisation during construction, are also being implemented to ensure structural stability on the hilly terrain.
J. P. Singh, Resident Manager and Project Head of construction company KEC-TCL, said safety would be given the highest priority during the construction of the project. He added that all protocols would be strictly followed to prevent accidents and to protect workers as well as the surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, Iosterston Sun, president of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun Shnong, expressed support for the project. He said the Dorbar would extend all possible cooperation for its timely completion and that local communities were looking forward to the economic benefits the ropeway would bring to the area.
The Shillong Peak Ropeway is Meghalaya’s first major passenger ropeway project and has been officially targeted for completion by 2028. However, the construction company has said it will make efforts to complete the project ahead of the scheduled deadline.
