Tourism body to protest against eviction from Lumpongdeng Island

SHILLONG, Feb 26: Maitshaphrang Tourism Promotion Group Chairman, Michael Syiem, has announced a one-week sit-in demonstration at the Main Secretariat premises starting March 3. The protest aims to oppose the government’s decision to evict them from Lumpongdeng Island at Umiam Lake without providing financial relief.
Speaking to reporters, Syiem stated that he has no objection to vacating the property, acknowledging that the government has the right to reclaim its land. However, he urged the government to offer financial assistance, as the group has employed staff to manage the boathouse at Lumpongdeng Island for the past 27 years.
In an official statement, group’s chairman Michael N Syiem confirmed that they received formal communication from MeECL on November 11, 2024, stating that their lease would not be renewed beyond December 31, 2024.
While the government maintains that there is no agreement mandating financial relief, Syiem argued that the lease agreement does not explicitly address compensation despite the group’s significant investment in constructing the boathouse.
He further stated that the government has set a deadline of March 13 for them to vacate the property.
The group has managed Lumpongdeng Island since 1997, transforming it from a barren, deforested land— once plagued by illegal logging — into a thriving eco-tourism destination. Over the years, they have restored the island’s greenery, turning it into a habitat for various species, including nesting eagles and armadillos. Lumpongdeng Island has since become a sought-after camping and honeymoon destination, with the introduction of Northeast India’s first houseboat in 2008 further boosting its appeal. The island is now featured in multiple travel magazines and was recently named one of Meghalaya’s most exotic resorts by India Today NE.
It may be noted that on November 12 last year, MeECL’s Corporate Affairs department informed Syiem that the lease for Lumpongdeng Island at Umiam Lake would not be extended.