SHILLONG, July 27: Concerned mothers and citizens of Shillong have voiced strong opposition to the proposed ropeway project at Lum Shillong, alleging that the felling of trees for the project threatens one of the city’s most vital ecological assets and could have long-term consequences for the environment, public health and tourism.
Speaking at Lum Shillong, Deborah Marbaniang, Dr Linda Marbaniang, Olivia Lyngdoh Mawlong and Alvareen Marwein said they were deeply saddened to see trees being cut down in the name of development. While clarifying that they are not against the government or development, they maintained that infrastructure projects should not come at the expense of the environment.
“Lum Shillong is the lungs of Shillong. It provides the fresh air that we breathe every day. Destroying it is not the right way to develop the city,” they said.
The group said they were only trying to protect what had been preserved by their ancestors and urged the government to safeguard the hill for future generations. They argued that the ropeway, which is being promoted as a tourism project, could instead damage the very attraction that draws visitors to Meghalaya.
“When tourists come to Shillong and Meghalaya, they do not come for man-made beauty, resorts, swimming pools or five-star hotels. They come for our forests, hills and natural beauty. If we take that away, we are affecting not only the citizens but tourism as well,” they said.
Raising questions over the legality and transparency of the project, Deborah Marbaniang asked whether the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun had obtained permission from the Raid Hima Mylliem to cut down such a large number of trees.
She also questioned the ownership of the land and demanded that the authorities make the land documents public.
“The question arises who is the owner of this land? Bring forward the patta.
We had no idea about this project because there was no public hearing. This will lead to reduced rainfall, water scarcity, soil erosion and loss of fresh air. Did the government think about the public before taking such a decision? A ropeway is not a necessity,” Deborah said.
Dr Linda Marbaniang called upon environmental organisations and activists to intervene, saying the issue demanded immediate attention.
“We call upon environmentalists to come forward and look into this issue. We are not against development but against the outcome of this development that is affecting the lifeline of the citizens. The public is prohibited from cutting trees even on private property without obtaining permission from the Forest Department because of concerns over global warming. But does global warming not matter when the government cuts down trees?” she asked.
Olivia Lyngdoh Mawlong warned that continued destruction of forests would eventually have economic consequences. “When the rivers go dry and the forests go bald, there will be no tourists visiting us anymore,” she said.
The concerned citizens also questioned the silence of environmental activists and organisations over the issue. “Where are those who observe World Environment Day every year? Environmental protection cannot be limited to one day in June. This is the time to stand up and speak for the environment,” they said.
They also expressed scepticism over claims that the ropeway would create employment for local youth, saying similar promises have been made for years while many young people remain unemployed or are offered only low-grade jobs. They urged the government to pursue development that creates opportunities without sacrificing Shillong’s natural heritage.
