By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 2: The Greentech Foundation on Thursday questioned the State government’s clarification on the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project, alleging inconsistencies between official claims and project documents while asserting that key details are being withheld from the public.
The NGO’s general secretary, Ritre Lyngdoh, contended that the government’s statement dismissing social media reports as “unfounded” was vague and failed to identify the source of such information, while raising concerns over assurances that no permanent structures would be built on Lumpongdeng Island.
He pointed out that the Consent to Establish (CTE), issued to Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd., clearly lists components such as villas, restaurants, cafes, and other facilities on the island, arguing that such developments cannot be classified as temporary in nature. He further maintained that the project, described as a five-star development, contradicts claims made in the official clarification.
Lyngdoh also said the Tourism Minister was initially unaware that Lumpongdeng Island formed part of the project, suggesting gaps in internal communication within the government. He questioned the role of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) executing the project, stating that such entities, by definition, function as separate legal bodies and may not carry liability for the parent company, in this case, the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).
Raising environmental concerns, he argued that the allocation of 36.10 acres of Lumpongdeng Island for the project low-impact development, and alleged that material facts related to the project were being concealed. He further stated that the foundation has filed a petition seeking withdrawal of the land allotment and has also submitted a Right to Information application, to which no response has been received even after 30 days.
The organisation asserted that Lumpongdeng Island, located within Umiam Lake, is an eco-fragile zone and vowed to continue its opposition to what it described as potential commercial exploitation of the area.
The Tourism Department on Tuesday maintained that reports circulating on social media regarding the project were “factually incorrect” and “misinformed,” dismissing concerns over environmental degradation as unfounded.
According to the department, the project spans a total of 66 acres, including 36.10 acres on Lumpongdeng Island and 29.64 acres of the existing Orchid Lake Resort area, and is aimed at promoting high-value, low-impact tourism with ecological safeguards.
The department stated that Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the SPV for the project, has secured the required CTE and has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the IHCL for operation under the “Taj Umiam Resort & Spa” brand.
It further asserted that all construction and operations will adhere to IHCL’s sustainability and design standards, highlighting the company’s participation in the EarthCheck Certified Program since 2008. The government also cited the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg as a model of environmentally responsible development.
The department added that the project will comply with the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, and all applicable norms of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other regulatory authorities.
