FIR Filed Against KHADC Inspector for Sealing Shillong Peak Ropeway Site
Meghalaya government files FIR against KHADC inspector for sealing the Shillong Peak ropeway project site amidst ongoing investigations.
Shillong, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Meghalaya government has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against an inspector from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). The inspector is accused of sealing the proposed site for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project in Lasohthon. Officials disclosed this information on Thursday.
Tourism Commissioner and Secretary R.M. Kurbah stated that a complaint was lodged at the Laban police station after the site was sealed on Tuesday. Currently, no arrests have been made, and the police are investigating the matter.
Defending the project, Kurbah emphasized that the land belongs to the government and that activities at the site are limited to preliminary work. A temporary camp is being established to facilitate soil testing, access road development, and land leveling, adhering to environmental and social safety standards set by the funding bank.
He clarified that no construction has commenced at the lower terminal or at the proposed locations of the six ropeway pillars. Kurbah dismissed allegations that work began without the necessary approvals.
According to him, a work order was issued to the contractor on October 25, 2025, following proper procedures. The contractor received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dorbar Pillun on May 4, 2026, and applied for a KHADC business license on May 18.
Subsequently, the contractor applied for another NOC from Hima Mylliem on July 16 and received a response on July 28. The KHADC issued a show-cause notice on August 27, to which the contractor responded. Kurbah noted that on September 28, an additional NOC was obtained from the Dorbar Minister of San Kur, while the licensing process is still ongoing.
He added that the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation consulted traditional institutions, including discussions with the Dorbars of Riyad Laban and the lower terminal area in 2022. Concerns related to the Lum Shillong and its watershed were addressed during a presentation at the state convention center, highlighting that the site is approximately 3.15 kilometers away from the proposed ropeway location.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee opposing the project met with the Chief Executive Member of Hima Mylliem on Wednesday, demanding the cancellation of certificates issued to the chiefs involved in land lease arrangements for the project.
