Access to ropeway office given back to Tourism dept
Shillong, Nov 5: The Tourism department on Wednesday got back its access to the Lower Terminal Point of the Shillong Ropeway project as the authorities broke open the lock on the premises that was sealed by the KHADC recently.
“This office has proceeded to unseal the office and hand over the access back to the Tourism department to resume the site,” East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Abhilash Baranwal told reporters on Wednesday.
The Ropeway Company office at Lower Terminal Point, Madan Laban was sealed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on October 27, alleging that the company was operating without a valid Trading Licence.
The DC said the action was taken based on government orders and based on legal opinion.
Magistrates accompanied by police broke open locks at the main entrance and office using tools in the morning.
“During the operation, the locks at the entrance gate and office premises were forcibly broken open by the authorities using tools and equipment. The entire operation was carried out in the presence of the District Administration and police personnel. No untoward incident was reported,” the DC said.
On whether work the ropeway will resume, he said, “We have just unsealed the site and handed it over back to the Tourism department and as far as the resumption of work, it can be confirmed by the department.”
“That is a decision pending with the government of Meghalaya. We have received instruction to unseal the premises and hand over the access back to the department which we have done today,” he said.
After reopening the premises, the administration has deployed security personnel at the location to prevent any untoward incident.
Earlier, an FIR was filed against a KHADC inspector for “illegally” sealing the premises which belongs to the government.
