SHILLONG : Former Tourism Minister and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh has acknowledged that inadequate communication from the state government has contributed to the opposition against the Shillong Ropeway project, while maintaining that the necessary environmental clearances were obtained.
His remarks come amid continued resistance from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Ropeway Project, which has demanded the withdrawal of the proposed project at Lum Shyllong.
Lyngdoh said the project had undergone the required due diligence but pointed to the government’s failure to adequately communicate with the public as a major shortcoming.
He observed that government representatives had not been forthcoming with explanations to the media, adding that better communication could have helped address the concerns surrounding the project.
Defending the approval process, the former Tourism Minister said environmental clearances had been obtained in 2022, when he was a member of the District Council. He added that subsequent clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had also been secured.
According to Lyngdoh, the relevant dorbars had not objected to the project at any stage, and the local MLA had also raised no objections.
He questioned why the objections were being raised in 2026, arguing that concerns could have been brought forward in 2023, 2024 or 2025.
Asked whether vested interests could be behind the opposition, Lyngdoh said he did not want to make assumptions about the motives of those protesting. He also questioned whether they had examined the relevant documents or received appropriate guidance.
On concerns that the ropeway could violate environmental protection norms, Lyngdoh cited the participation of the President of India in laying the foundation stone as part of his argument that the project had undergone the necessary scrutiny.
The controversy continues as the JAC maintains its opposition to the project, citing concerns over the Lum Shyllong catchment and demanding that the government withdraw the proposal.