States » EastPosted at: Oct 27 2026 7:10PM


Meghalaya Tourism reaffirms statutory clearances for Rs 151 Cr Shillong Ropeway amid JAC opposition

Shillong, Oct 27 (UNI) The Meghalaya Tourism Department on Tuesday reiterated that the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project holds all required statutory clearances, maintaining that the initiative will not harm local water sources and will help reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

The Rs 151 crore ropeway project is currently facing strong opposition from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Ropeway Project over environmental and community concerns.

The proposed 913-metre ropeway will utilise a monocable gondola system, connecting Madan Laban to an upper terminal near the existing Shillong Viewpoint. The journey is expected to take between five and six minutes.

“The project has already obtained all the required statutory clearances from the competent authorities. No water source will be affected by the project,” Joint Secretary of Tourism Brenda Lee Pakyntein stated on Tuesday.
She clarified that the ropeway project is located 3.15 km away from Lum Shyllong, a sacred community site.

Furthermore, Pakyntein said that concerns raised by local communities and other stakeholders during multiple consultations and public meetings were fully addressed through the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). This plan was reviewed by independent experts and subsequently approved by the New Development Bank.

Emphasising the project’s expected benefits, Pakyntein said the ropeway would reduce the number of vehicles travelling to Shillong Peak, helping ease traffic congestion and lower vehicular emissions.

Moreover, she noted that the project is expected to generate local employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the promotion of tourism in the state.

Pakyntein said that the Tourism Department remains open to providing any further clarifications or additional information that stakeholders may require.

She sought the support and cooperation of all parties involved to ensure the successful implementation of the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project.
UNI RRK RSA
Tags: #Meghalaya Tourism reaffirms statutory clearances for Rs 151 Cr Shillong Ropeway amid JAC opposition
More News

Jharkhand cabinet approves Rs 607 crore irrigation project, Rs 545 crore hospital plan

27 Oct 2026 | 8:35 PM

Ranchi, Oct 27 (UNI) The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Tuesday approved a series of decisions covering irrigation, healthcare, drinking water, rural development, power infrastructure and mineral exploration.

see more..

Rio urges corporate India to explore Nagaland’s economic opportunities

27 Oct 2026 | 8:21 PM

Dimapur, Oct 27 (UNI) Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio has urged corporate India to explore the state’s emerging economic opportunities.

see more..

Bengal encounters trigger political debate, BJP backs police action, Opposition questions circumstances

27 Oct 2026 | 7:58 PM

Kolkata, Oct 27 (UNI) The deaths of Prahlad Das, the prime accused in the rape and murder of a minor girl in Gaighata, and Shamaul Sheikh, accused in the BJP leader murder case at Dhulian, in police encounters has triggered a political debate in West Bengal, with ruling party leaders defending the police action while Opposition leaders have questioned the circumstances leading to the shootings.

see more..

Cyclone Arnab batters south Bengal, trees uprooted and power lines snapped in Midnapore

27 Oct 2026 | 7:35 PM

Midnapore, Oct 27 (UNI) Sudden squalls uprooted trees, snapped power lines and blocked roads across West Midnapore on Tuesday as the impact of severe cyclonic storm Arnab began to be felt in South Bengal, with Dantan and Belda bearing the brunt of the damage.

see more..

Tigress exploring its natural habitat, no question of bringing it back: Bengal Forest Minister

27 Oct 2026 | 7:21 PM

Siliguri, Oct 27 (UNI) The three-year-old tigress released into Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2 is exploring a large area before settling in its territory, West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon has said, dismissing reports that the animal has fled Bengal for Assam.

see more..