Shillong, Aug 14: The High Court of Meghalaya has asked the Special Officers appointed in a Public Interest litigation (PIL) to file a comprehensive report on the prospect and extent of afforestation in the vicinity of the Shillong Peak Ropeway Cable Car project area.
The PIL, filed by Geraldine G. Shabong, mentions about indiscriminate and large-scale felling of trees in the Lawsohtun area for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Cable Car project.
The Central government had authorised the deforestation under the relevant law.
The cour appointed the Advocate General and Senior Advocate K Paul as special officers to visit the area and file a report on afforestation possibilities.
The special officers have already visited the area and found that afforestation is possible around the project area.
They have been granted time to conduct further inspections and file a comprehensive report.
“It is heartening to hear from them that afforestation in the area around the project is possible. They see sometime to make further inspection and inquiry and file a comprehensive report with regard to the prospect and extent of afforestation in the vicinity,” the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said in its order passed on Thursday.
“We adjourn this public interest litigation till 2nd September, 2025. The learned special officers shall file a report in the meantime,” the bench said.
