All clearances obtained for Shillong ropeway project: Paul
Shillong, July 29: A public interest litigation (PIL) filed against proposed felling of trees to pave way for the Shillong ropeway project has become a stumbling block for the ambitious tourism project.
Informing this, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said the government has already briefed the Meghalaya High Court about the necessary clearances, including permission for felling trees in Lawsohtun area for the project.
“The project has been hindered by this PIL, but today since we clarified to the High Court that we have already obtained permission from the Ministry, work should pick up pace,” Lyngdoh told reporters on Tuesday.
Emphasising that no environment norms have been violated while going ahead with the project, the minister said, “Whatever we have done so far are totally in compliance with all existing laws and regulations.”
Compensatory afforestation will take place once the project is completed, the minister said, adding that the government’s current focus is on facilitating clearance for construction of the ropeway.
The Shillong ropeway project aims to boost tourism in the region, and the government is working to resolve the issues and complete the project, he added.
