SHILLONG, JUL 30: The state government is open to further consultations to address public apprehensions over the Shillong Ropeway project, Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said on Thursday, even as he maintained that all required clearances for the project have already been obtained.
Responding to concerns over alleged tree felling and possible water scarcity, Shira said the project was initiated during the tenure of the previous Tourism Minister and due procedures were followed.
“That was not done during my time. I don’t know what the progress is, but from the department’s side, I have been informed that everything has been done properly and all the necessary permissions have been obtained from the concerned authorities,” he said.
On calls for more dialogue, the Minister said the government would engage stakeholders if needed.
“Consultation will take place if there is anything. I think it is necessary to dispel all these apprehensions, and sometimes the misunderstanding and information gap as well. That needs to be addressed. A bridge should be constructed between the different parties who are always criticizing and saying that the government has not done things properly and they should take people on board,” Shira added.
He further stated that forest clearance and an environment certificate had been secured prior to the commencement of work.
“I think the work was started by the previous Tourism Minister. He consulted everything through the department, and departmental officers did whatever was necessary before starting the work. Forest clearance has also been obtained, and an environment certificate has been issued. So what more is left, I don’t know. And how far it is correct to say that many more things are left,” he said.
