Shillong, Meghalaya: The Meghalaya government has filed a police complaint against a Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) inspector for allegedly sealing the lower terminal site of the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project at Lawsohtun. Tourism Commissioner and Secretary RM Kurbah confirmed the development on October 28.
The Tourism Department maintains that the site belongs to the government and that construction has not yet started. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the incident. The dispute comes amid continuing opposition to the ropeway project over land rights, permissions and environmental concerns.
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Key Facts About Shillong Peak Ropeway Project Dispute
- Location: Lawsohtun, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Project: Shillong Peak Ropeway Project
- Complaint Filed Against: KHADC inspector
- Police Station: Laban Police Station
- Complaint Confirmed: October 28, 2026
- Government Official: Tourism Commissioner and Secretary RM Kurbah
- Funding Agency: New Development Bank
- Work Order Issued: October 25, 2025
- Project Status: Preparatory activities underway; construction yet to begin, according to the government
- Police Action: Investigation underway; no arrests reported
Meghalaya Government Files FIR Over Ropeway Site Sealing
The Meghalaya government has approached police after a KHADC inspector allegedly locked the proposed ropeway’s lower terminal site at Lawsohtun.
Tourism Commissioner and Secretary RM Kurbah confirmed that authorities filed an FIR at Laban Police Station.
According to Kurbah, the incident occurred on Tuesday, prompting the government to initiate legal action.
However, police had not arrested anyone as of October 28. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Tourism Department Denies Starting Ropeway Construction
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department rejected allegations that construction had started without the necessary clearances.
Kurbah explained that the department was establishing a temporary camp to support preliminary project activities.
These activities include soil testing, approach road development and ground levelling.
Additionally, the New Development Bank requires environmental and social safeguards before construction progresses.
Kurbah clarified that workers had not started construction at the lower terminal or any of the six proposed pillar locations.
Furthermore, she maintained that the site constitutes government property.
Government Explains Shillong Peak Ropeway Approval Process
The Tourism Department also defended the procedures followed while awarding the project contract.
According to Kurbah, the government issued the contractor’s work order on October 25, 2025.
Subsequently, the contractor secured a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Dorbar Pyllun on May 4, 2026.
The contractor then applied to KHADC for a trading licence on May 18.
Additionally, the company sought an NOC from the Syiem of Hima Mylliem on July 16 and received a response on July 28.
KHADC later issued a show-cause notice on August 27. The contractor subsequently submitted its response.
Furthermore, the contractor obtained another NOC from the Dorbar Myntri of San Kur and 11 Kur of Riat Laban Mylliem on September 28.
However, Kurbah confirmed that the trading licence process remains ongoing.
Government Cites Earlier Consultations With Traditional Institutions
Kurbah stated that the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation had engaged with local traditional institutions.
According to her, consultations with the Dorbars of Raid Laban and the lower terminal area took place in 2022.
She maintained that participants raised no objections during those discussions.
Additionally, the government addressed concerns about Lum Shyllong and its water catchment during a meeting at the State Convention Centre.
Officials presented project details and explained the proposed development.
Kurbah also stated that Lum Shyllong lies approximately 3.15 kilometres from the proposed ropeway site.
Joint Action Committee Seeks Cancellation of Land Lease Permissions
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which opposes the project, continued its campaign against the proposed ropeway.
On Wednesday, committee representatives met the Syiem of Hima Mylliem.
During the meeting, they sought the cancellation of sanads granted to headmen involved in land lease arrangements for the project.
The development highlights continuing disagreements over land-related decisions and traditional institutional permissions.
Why Is the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project Important?
Shillong Peak is a prominent tourist destination in Meghalaya and offers panoramic views of the state capital.
The proposed ropeway aims to improve tourism connectivity in the region.
However, the ongoing dispute highlights concerns involving traditional institutions, land arrangements and environmental safeguards.
Therefore, dialogue between authorities and local stakeholders remains important as the project moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did the Meghalaya government file an FIR against a KHADC inspector?
The government filed a complaint after a KHADC inspector allegedly sealed the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway’s lower terminal site at Lawsohtun.
2. Has construction started on the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project?
No. According to Tourism Commissioner RM Kurbah, the department has started only preparatory activities.
3. Who is funding the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project?
The New Development Bank is funding the project.
4. When did the government issue the ropeway work order?
The government issued the contractor’s work order on October 25, 2025.
5. Why is the Joint Action Committee opposing the project?
The committee has raised objections concerning land arrangements and has sought the cancellation of sanads granted to certain headmen.
6. Has police arrested the KHADC inspector?
Police had not made any arrests as of October 28, according to the information available.
Investigation Continues Amid Ropeway Project Dispute
The Shillong Peak Ropeway Project remains at the centre of disagreements involving the government, KHADC and local groups.
Meanwhile, police continue investigating the site-sealing incident.
Further developments will depend on the investigation, pending permissions and discussions with affected stakeholders.
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