Shillong Peak ropeway: Tourism dept renews talks offer to JAC

Meghalaya's Tourism Department on Wednesday, November 11, renewed its offer of talks to the Joint Action Committee (JAC) opposing the proposed Shillong Peak passenger ropeway, saying the group can choose whatever format it prefers.

In a statement reported by Hub News, the department said the JAC, along with other citizens and organisations with concerns, could opt for a multi-stakeholder meeting, a separate meeting with the department, or informal talks with senior officials. It said the queries raised so far had been recorded and examined, and acknowledged concerns raised by residents, especially mothers, about U Lum Shyllong, water security and the environment.

Consultations listed by the department

The department said it had already held several rounds of engagement since August 2026: a joint site inspection on August 8, a meeting with the JAC on October 15, a broader stakeholders' meeting on October 22 and a public consultation at the State Convention Centre on November 4. A fresh invitation had also gone to the JAC on November 5, it said. Earlier public consultations were held in 2022 through the Meghalaya Institute of Governance.

The department's case on water and trees

On the fear that the project could damage springs, the department said mapping presented during consultations showed water sources lying between 500 metres and one kilometre from the planned alignment. It said the towers would stand on a ridge with no underlying water sources, and that the catchment of the Mawphlang dam lies on a separate ridge.

On forest loss, it said the design had been changed so that cables and cabins pass above the forest canopy, reducing the need to cut trees. According to the department, independent experts have reviewed the Environment and Social Impact Assessment, and a dedicated environmental management plan and a camera-trap study will guide construction.

It added that structural safety had been reviewed by an IIT, that clearances had been obtained from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Airports Authority of India, and that the project is exempt from environmental clearance under the relevant central notifications. Assessments will stay open to public scrutiny, it said.

About the project

The 913-metre ropeway is being built by the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority to link Madan Laban with Shillong Peak, with funding from the New Development Bank and the Centre's PM-DevINE scheme.

The JAC has held sit-ins against the project, arguing that it threatens a sacred hill and local water sources. It had earlier said it would meet minister Sanbor Shullai while continuing its protest; the outcome of that meeting has not been reported. The JAC had not publicly responded to the department's latest offer at the time of publishing.