Transparency Takes Center Stage: JAC Challenges Government’s ‘Delayed’ Protest Claims
SHILLONG, August 2 – The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has fired back at government claims of a ‘delayed’ opposition, accusing the State Tourism Department of bypassing grassroots democracy in the Shillong Ropeway Project. The committee has alleged that the project was pushed forward without the informed consent of the residents of Lum Shillong.
Bypassing Grassroots Democracy: A Concerning Trend
The JAC has questioned why the Tourism Department and the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun failed to ensure stakeholder participation from the project’s inception. The committee has pointed out that residents were neither informed nor invited to participate in decisions affecting Lum Shillong. This lack of transparency has led to a deep-seated mistrust among the residents, who feel that their voices have been ignored.
A Pattern of Lack of Transparency
The JAC has argued that informed public objection was impossible without prior disclosure. The committee has noted that concerns only intensified after residents witnessed large-scale tree felling at the site. This lack of transparency has led to a situation where the project has been implemented without the consent of the people it is supposed to benefit.
Demand for Accountability and Due Process
The JAC has reiterated its demand for accountability and adherence to due process in the project’s implementation. The committee has emphasized the need for transparency and stakeholder participation in decision-making processes. This is essential to ensure that projects like the Shillong Ropeway Project are implemented in a way that benefits the community and not just a select few.
Government’s Response: A Case of Blame-Shifting?
In response to the JAC’s allegations, West Shillong MLA and former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has defended the project. Lyngdoh has stated that all necessary statutory permissions and environmental clearances were obtained before work began. However, the JAC has questioned why objections are surfacing now, more than two years after the project was initiated.
A Timeline of Controversy
The project’s timeline has been a subject of controversy. The foundation stone was laid by the President of India in January 2024. However, the JAC has pointed out that residents were neither informed nor invited to participate in decisions affecting Lum Shillong. This lack of transparency has led to a situation where the project has been implemented without the consent of the people it is supposed to benefit.
Employment Generation: A Silver Lining?
Lyngdoh has also noted that the construction phase is already generating employment for local residents. However, the JAC has pointed out that this is a short-term gain that may not address the long-term concerns of the community. The committee has emphasized the need for a more holistic approach to development that takes into account the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The JAC’s allegations have highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in government projects. The committee’s demand for stakeholder participation and informed public objection is essential to ensure that projects like the Shillong Ropeway Project are implemented in a way that benefits the community and not just a select few. As the controversy surrounding the project continues to unfold, one thing is clear: transparency and accountability are essential to good governance.