Shillong: Meghalaya govt has filed an FIR against a Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council inspector for allegedly sealing the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway’s lower terminal site at Lawsohtun.Tourism commissioner and secretary RM Kurbah said the complaint was filed at Laban police station after the site was locked on Tuesday. No arrest has been made, and police are investigating, she said.Kurbah said the land belonged to govt and work was limited to preparations. A temporary camp was being set up for soil testing, approach-road development and ground levelling in line with safeguards prescribed by New Development Bank, which is funding the project.She rejected allegations that ropeway construction had begun without required clearances.Kurbah said Meghalaya Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation consulted traditional institutions, including the ‘dorbars’ (traditional administrative units) of Raid Laban and the lower terminal area, in 2022.The tourism department has said the project has obtained statutory clearances, will not affect water sources and will help reduce traffic congestion and emissions. It said the site is 3.15 km from the Lum Shyllong catchment and the cables and cabins will operate above the tree canopy.The department said it addressed concerns through an Environmental and Social Management Plan.
