Shillong: Meghalaya govt has directed Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to immediately remove the seals placed on the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project’s Lower Terminal Point at Madan Laban and release seized project materials.In a letter to the secretary of KHADC executive committee, the tourism department said the council’s Enforcement Wing sealed the site on Oct 27 and evicted project staff.Govt asked KHADC to remove the locks and seals, withdraw the seizure and Zima-namas, release all seized articles and provide written assurance that no further action would be taken against the state govt, Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority or the executing agency.It warned that failure to comply would prompt govt to take legal steps to remove the obstruction and secure the project site. The council would be held responsible for any resulting costs and delays, the letter said.The communication, issued by the tourism department’s joint secretary, was sent without prejudice to govt’s rights, including an FIR registered at Laban Police Station on Oct 27. It was issued with the approval of the competent authority and the law department.KHADC had sealed the site under Section 7A of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954, alleging a violation of Section 3.Govt rejected the allegation, saying preparatory work for the ropeway did not amount to trading under Section 30(2) of the Meghalaya Ropeway Act, 2022. It also maintained that the land where the work was being carried out belonged to the state govt.Govt said the ropeway was a public infrastructure project, with Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority acting as the nodal agency. It added that forest clearance had been obtained.M/s KEC-TCL (JV), the contractor appointed by the tourism department, applied for a trading licence on May 18, 2026, after obtaining an NOC from Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. The application is pending with KHADC.
