Shillong, Aug 8: The Tourism department on Saturday claimed that the proposed Shillong Ropeway project will not impact water sources or the environment.
A a joint site inspection with PHE, Forest Department, Shillong Municipal Board and Raid Laban Dorbar Pyllun was conducted on Saturday.
Joint Secretary In-Charge Tourism, RM Kurbah, said concerns over water had been addressed.
“The water source is further ahead towards Lawsohtun, beyond Nepali School. It has nothing to do with this 800-plus metre stretch. There are no water sources in this entire stretch,” she said.
Kurbah said the detailed project report (DPR) was revised after objections to the initial 25-metre cable height, which would have required mass tree cutting.
“We requested that the level of the cable and towers be raised. We now have a fresh DPR with about 40 metres of height clearance,” she said.
She clarified that felling would be limited to 6 tower stations of 12×12 metres each.
“We have cut 544 trees only where the towers are coming up, all within forest land. We have planted 5,044 trees as part of 1:10 compensatory plantation on government land,” Kurbah said.
On environmental impact, she said, “This project is not affecting either the water or the environment. In fact, it will add to the beautification of this place. It is a very important project for the state.”
Kurbah cited Sikkimâs intra-city ropeway as an example and urged residents to approach the department for clarifications.
“We appeal to everyone to please try to understand. If it is affecting you or anybody, come to the department. We will give the clarification,” she said.
On landslide concerns, she said that slope restoration work would be carried out and greenery in cut areas would be managed by the Forest department.
KEC-TCL Project Head J.P. Singh said the company was ensuring compliance with all environmental norms.
“For any ropeway, the main challenges are transportation of materials and protecting the environment in the larger interest of local people. We will ensure nothing happens against the environment and ecology of the area,” Singh said.
