Shillong, October 16: Former Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh has questioned the timing of protests against the proposed ropeway project connecting Lum Shyllong and Laban, describing the opposition as belated.
Speaking on Friday, Lyngdoh pointed out that the foundation stone for the project had already been laid by the President of India, questioning whether such a high-profile inauguration would have taken place if the project had been surrounded by unresolved issues.
He argued that the President’s participation in the foundation stone ceremony indicated that the necessary documents and procedures had undergone scrutiny before the project was allowed to proceed.
Lyngdoh further stated that the project had received environmental clearance in 2022, even before he became an MLA.
He questioned why objections were being raised at this stage when, according to him, no significant opposition had emerged from the local dorbar or public representatives in the years following the clearance.
“If there were objections, why were they not raised in 2023, 2024 or 2025? Why oppose the project only now?” Lyngdoh asked, questioning the timing of the protests.
He maintained that concerns regarding the project should have been raised during the earlier stages of planning and approval rather than after the foundation stone had been laid.
His remarks come amid opposition from a Joint Action Committee (JAC), which has expressed concerns over the proposed ropeway project.
The committee has opposed the development on environmental grounds, particularly over fears that construction activities could affect water sources and lead to water scarcity in the surrounding areas.
While Lyngdoh defended the project’s approval process and questioned the delayed opposition, the JAC has maintained its concerns regarding the potential impact on local water resources.
The disagreement has brought renewed attention to the proposed Lum Shyllong–Laban ropeway project, with questions surrounding environmental protection, public consultation and the timing of objections.
