Protests Continue Over Shillong Ropeway Project as Minister Calls for Stakeholder Meeting
Protests against the Shillong ropeway project persist as local minister convenes a stakeholder meeting to address community concerns.
Shillong, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : In Shillong, Meghalaya, ongoing protests against the proposed ropeway project have entered their fifth day. In response to the growing unrest, Cabinet Minister and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai has scheduled a meeting with local stakeholders to discuss the project.
The meeting will take place at the State Convention Center and is organized by a 19-member advisory committee from South Shillong. A letter released by the committee on Tuesday confirmed the details. Shullai will lead the discussions, gathering input and suggestions from residents and various organizations regarding the ambitious infrastructure initiative.
This development comes amidst an indefinite sit-in protest led by a group of women under the banner of the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The demonstrators are opposing the project at its proposed site and are demanding either its cancellation or relocation to an alternative site.
The Shillong ropeway project is part of broader efforts to enhance urban connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the rapidly growing hill city. However, concerns have emerged among local residents and community organizations regarding the project’s location and its potential impacts on surrounding areas.
Protesters are calling for the project to be either scrapped or moved to a different location. Numerous traditional institutions and social organizations have joined the debate, prompting Shullai to convene a comprehensive consultation meeting with stakeholders.
The proposed project aims to connect key locations through an aerial transport system, reducing reliance on road transport. Nonetheless, worries about the alignment, location, and potential effects on local communities have turned this infrastructure proposal into a contentious issue. The government is now seeking public feedback before moving forward with implementation.
The advisory committee has urged stakeholders to voice their concerns and suggestions during the meeting, which will later be presented to the Meghalaya government. This consultation process is being closely monitored, as the state government aims to address rising community concerns while promoting infrastructure development.
