Meghalaya chief minister defends Shillong ropeway project amid opposition

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Monday that the Shillong Ropeway Project, which has been in planning for almost two and a half years, should move forward without delay, asserting that every environmental and technical issue has been resolved and that the venture will generate hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs for the state’s young people.

Project background

The ropeway, intended to link key tourist spots in Shillong, was awarded after a preparation period of nearly two and a half years, according to the Highland Post. The chief minister noted that all agencies involved are expert agencies and that every aspect, including the environment, has been addressed and taken care of. He emphasized that the project is designed to boost tourism to a new level, positioning the ropeway as a catalyst for increased visitor numbers and related economic activity.

Government response to opposition

Speaking to reporters at Lok Bhavan, Sangma said that those opposing the ropeway are effectively opposing livelihood opportunities for the youth of the state. He described opposition "for the sake of opposing" as an unhealthy trend in governance and urged that any concerns be backed by real reasoning. When objections were raised, clarifications were issued by the Commissioner, the Secretary of Tourism, and the Managing Director of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The chief minister said those explanations were accepted as clear and that there is "no reason why there should be any issue."

Sangma added that the government is ready to discuss any genuine environmental concern, but based on the explanations given so far, no such issue exists. He questioned the timing of the opposition, noting that the project has been under consideration for more than two-and-a-half years and that the concerns surfaced only after the award was made. "This is not something we started yesterday. It has been going on for two-and-a-half years. Suddenly when the project has been awarded, the issue is raised. The timing is also of concern," he said.

Employment prospects and future steps

Linking the ropeway directly to job creation, Sangma argued that the venture will generate "hundreds if not thousands of direct and indirect employment." He pointed out that complaints about a lack of jobs for the youth are common, and that this project offers a tangible solution. By enhancing tourism, the ropeway is expected to create new opportunities in hospitality, transport, local services and ancillary sectors.

The chief minister concluded by stating that the government’s priority is to resolve any remaining issues, move forward with construction, and ensure the project is completed to provide employment for the youth. He reiterated the administration’s willingness to engage with any legitimate environmental concerns, while maintaining that, based on the information provided so far, no such concerns have been identified.