Shillong, Oct 29 Meghalaya’s Director of Tourism Brenda L Pakyntein has lodged a police complaint against an enforcement inspector of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for allegedly sealing the construction site of the Rs 151-crore Shillong Peak ropeway project, officials said on Thursday.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the complaint was lodged at the Laban police station on Wednesday, and the matter was under enquiry.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, accompanied by other council members and officials, visited the project site on October 27. During the visit, enforcement inspector K Synrem allegedly locked the premises with a seal bearing the council’s name, halting work.
The council has objected to the project, citing the alleged absence of a mandatory trading licence and other local clearances.
The Tourism Department, however, said only preparatory activities, including soil testing, approach road development and ground levelling, were underway at the site.
The construction of the ropeway terminal and supporting pillars had not begun, it said.
Estimated to cost Rs 151 crore, the project is proposed to connect Madan Laban with the Shillong Peak viewpoint. It is funded through Rs 80.89 crore from the New Development Bank and Rs 70.11 crore under the Centre’s PM-DevINE scheme.
The project has also faced opposition from local groups over environmental concerns, including the protection of the Lum Shyllong catchment.
(PTI News)
