By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government’s plan to introduce the cable car system seems to have hit a major stumbling block with problems emerging in the area where the first station was scheduled to be constructed for the project.
Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism, RV Suchiang, on Thursday said, “There is a demand to shift the first proposed station from Mawsmai.”
“The Mawsmai Dorbar Shnong wants the proposed first station to be moved outside the boundary walls of the Eco Park as the proposed location of the first tower would hinder free movement of people,” he said. Suchiang informed that the SDO (Civil) Sohra has been directed to sort out the matter at the earliest so that the project can make headway at a rapid pace.
However, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Sohra, James Suchiang said that the matter had been referred to the Tourism department which would take a final call on the project.
The cable car idea was mooted by the State Tourism department in order to boost tourist flow in Sohra which is already a brand name for tourists visiting the State. The Government expects the cable car project give a fillip to the tourism sector with an added attraction in Sohra which is already renowned.
The 1.5-km project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 12 crore. Earlier, the Government had planned to put the cable car system in place by 2011 but the project is now set to miss its deadline.
The State Government had also planned to act as a facilitator and engage community participation for maintenance and running the system which will ensure new employment opportunities for the educated unemployed of the area.