📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / debanutosh
Politics
Meghalaya Minister Sanbor Shullai Confronted by Protesters Over Shillong Peak Ropeway
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 12 Nov 2026, 10:18 AM
👁 6
Minister Sanbor Shullai was mobbed by demonstrators in Shillong as they called for the cancellation of the proposed ropeway to Shillong Peak.
Shillong, Meghalaya – A group of local residents and environmental activists surrounded Minister Sanbor Shullai on the outskirts of Shillong on Thursday, demanding that the state government abandon the planned ropeway linking the city to Shillong Peak. The protesters raised concerns that the project could damage the fragile hill ecosystem and increase traffic congestion in the popular tourist spot.
The minister, who arrived to inspect the site, was met with chants and a steady stream of slogans urging the authorities to scrap the venture. He briefed the crowd on the project's intended benefits, citing improved tourist access and potential revenue generation, but did not provide a definitive response to the demands.
The ropeway proposal, approved earlier this year, has faced opposition from several civil society groups who argue that the construction could lead to deforestation and threaten the biodiversity of the area. The state government has yet to announce any revision to the plan, and officials said they would review the concerns raised during the protest.
No injuries were reported, and the demonstration remained peaceful despite the large gathering around the minister. Authorities have indicated that a meeting with stakeholder representatives will be scheduled in the coming days to address the controversy.
The minister, who arrived to inspect the site, was met with chants and a steady stream of slogans urging the authorities to scrap the venture. He briefed the crowd on the project's intended benefits, citing improved tourist access and potential revenue generation, but did not provide a definitive response to the demands.
The ropeway proposal, approved earlier this year, has faced opposition from several civil society groups who argue that the construction could lead to deforestation and threaten the biodiversity of the area. The state government has yet to announce any revision to the plan, and officials said they would review the concerns raised during the protest.
No injuries were reported, and the demonstration remained peaceful despite the large gathering around the minister. Authorities have indicated that a meeting with stakeholder representatives will be scheduled in the coming days to address the controversy.