Meghalaya government defends Shillong Ropeway environmental impact

The Meghalaya government has addressed environmental concerns regarding the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, asserting that the construction will not impact local water sources or the surrounding environment. During a joint site inspection involving the Tourism Department, Forest Department, and local Dorbar representatives, officials clarified that the project alignment avoids key catchment areas, specifically the Patakhana and Wahingdoh water sources.

To minimize ecological damage, the government revised the Detailed Project Report (DPR), increasing the cable and tower height to approximately 40 meters. This adjustment was made to prevent excessive tree cutting. Officials confirmed that 544 trees have been felled for the six tower stations, and as a compensatory measure, 5,044 trees have been planted on government land following a 1:10 ratio.

Regarding safety and stability, the project's design and safety standards have been reviewed by IIT Delhi. Construction company KEC-TCL stated that technical measures, including ground stabilization and slope restoration, are being implemented to manage landslide risks and ensure compliance with environmental norms.