Shillong: Meghalaya govt has said Shillong Peak Ropeway Project will have negligible impact on the catchment area and will not affect water sources.CVD Diengdoh, chief executive officer of Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority, said, citing a PHE department report, that the project’s six towers would occupy 0.2% of the total catchment area.He said spring sources were located 500 metres to 1 km from the project alignment and would not be affected. The ropeway would run along the ridge, above the tree line, with measures to minimise tree felling and preserve forest cover.Diengdoh said the project did not fall under Category A or B of the Centre’s Environmental Impact Assessment Notification and was therefore exempt from a statutory public hearing.However, as the project is funded by New Development Bank, an Environment and Social Management Plan was prepared and approved. Meghalaya Institute of Governance also conducted a public consultation and social impact assessment.The ropeway is being designed in accordance with European CEN standards, with technical support from French company POMA. The project has also received clearances and no-objection certificates from agencies including Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Airports Authority of India, Diengdoh said.The monocable gondola system will connect Laban with Shillong Viewpoint, improving access to the tourist destination and creating employment opportunities in the tourism sector.The project is funded by New Development Bank and the PM-DevINE scheme under Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
