Party suspicious of ‘behind-the-scenes’ deals, questions Chief Minister’s strong defence
SHILLONG, April 17: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday voiced strong suspicion over the state government’s handling of the proposed luxury resort and spa project at Umiam Lake, hinting that “something is happening behind the scenes” in view of the manner in which Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has vigorously defended the project.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang at Malki Ground — where he is on an indefinite hunger strike — JHADC opposition leader and VPP MDC Awhai Andrew Shullai said available records suggest the involvement of an outside construction company, which has executed several major projects in the state, in the tourism project at Umiam.
“We have not attempted to find out details on whether the Chief Minister is directly involved in the project. However, the manner in which the CM and the government are defending it suggests that there could be developments taking place ‘behind the scenes’. Several aspects of the project also raise serious concerns,” he said.
He criticised the lack of proper consultation and stressed that any such project must undergo a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) along with meaningful public consultation.
Referring to information obtained by the foundation through RTI, Shullai said the demands raised by the protesting group are well-founded. “These youths are knowledgeable and have experience in environmental issues,” he added.
Questioning the government’s “adamant” stance, Shullai alleged that undisclosed stakeholders and external interests could be involved. He warned that the project could adversely affect local entrepreneurs who have already established tourism ventures around Umiam.
Expressing serious ecological concerns, Shullai said Lumpongdeng Island is an iconic site that should be preserved in its natural state for its ecological value, including as a habitat for migratory birds. “It should not be leased out. It should remain as it is,” he said.
Shullai clarified that the opposition is not against development at Umiam in general but is specifically against the leasing of 36 acres at Lumpongdeng Island. He urged the government to scrap the lease agreement with the private firm if it has no plans to utilise the island for commercial purposes.
The VPP leader also expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Nonglang and appealed to the government to address the issue promptly. He reaffirmed the party’s full support for the agitation led by the Green-Tech Foundation, whose demand is limited to protecting Lumpongdeng Island from commercial exploitation.
The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) clarified its position, stating that construction should not take place at Lumpongdeng but instead be carried out at the existing Orchid site, as earlier indicated by the Chief Minister.
HSPDP president K.P. Pangniang emphasised that the government must ensure no construction activity is allowed at Lumpongdeng if it poses any threat to the environment. The party reiterated its support for development, provided it is carried out responsibly without harming the natural surroundings.
The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HYNF) on Friday warned that the state government would be solely responsible if any untoward incident occurs due to its “adamant attitude” in not scrapping the lease agreement for the proposed luxury resort and spa project at Lumpongdeng Island.
While expressing solidarity with the hunger strike, HYNF East Khasi Hills president Steve Khyriem said scrapping the project at the island would lead to a positive outcome. “However, if the government continues to insist, we do not know what may happen. If any unfortunate situation arises, the responsibility will lie with the government,” he said.
Khyriem pointed out inconsistencies in the government’s stand, noting that the Chief Minister’s initial clarification differed from subsequent explanations. He alleged that the government has acted forcefully, which has prompted various social organisations to unite in support of the agitation.
He reiterated HYNF’s support for the protest and urged the government to address the concerns raised by the Green-Tech Foundation and the public at the earliest.
