By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: There seems to be no end to the stumbling blocks that lay on the path of the much delayed Sohra cable car project which was supposed to be completed in 2011. The State Government had taken the initiative with an aim to make Sohra a more attractive tourist destination. But nothing concrete has materialized so far in the project.
To make things worse, the plan has now hit a fresh obstacle as residents of Mawsmai have opposed the construction of the first station of the project. The Mawsmai Dorbar Shnong wants the proposed station to be moved outside the boundary walls of the Eco Park stating that the tower would hinder free movement of people.
When contacted, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Sohra, James Suchiang said that the residents are ready to part with their land for the project given their terms and conditions are met.
“The matter is being handled by the State Tourism department which is trying its best to convince the land owners,” he said.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the State Tourism department on condition of anonymity said that the project is still hanging in balance. The official also informed that a firm from Kolkata had recently visited the site to prepare a feasibility report for the project.
“We wanted them (the firm) to visit the site now as the report should be prepared taking into account the extreme weather when there is fog and heavy rain in the area,” the official added.
The 1.5-km project sanctioned at a cost of Rs 12 crore was mooted by the State Tourism department in order to boost tourist flow in Sohra which is already a renowned tourist destination.
It was decided to engage community participation for maintenance and running the system which will ensure new employment opportunities for the educated unemployed of the area.
