Support for Taj project grows amidst sustained opposition
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 19: The Meghalaya government has made it clear that it would go ahead with the proposed Taj Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa at the existing mainland site of Orchid Lake Resort, even as opposition continues and sections of civil society voice support for the project’s economic potential.
Clarifying its stand amid ongoing protests by the Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), the government reaffirmed that no construction will be undertaken on Lumpongdeng Island, stressing that the ecologically sensitive island will remain untouched, with focus on preserving its natural flora and fauna and maintaining its ecological integrity.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has already indicated that a white paper will be brought out to place details of the project in the public domain in a bid to address concerns and improve transparency.
Tourism Director Brenda L. Pakyntein reiterated that environmental protection remains central to the project, stating, “We will not turn around for a minute and a second from the environmental issues.”
She said the project will proceed only after meeting all regulatory requirements, adding, “The firm has to prepare their CTE (Consent to Establish) and agree to the guidelines placed especially related to waste management issues and environmental issues.”
On compliance, she maintained that monitoring would be continuous and strict, with violations leading to closure of operations.
She emphasised the economic benefits linked to the project, particularly in terms of employment and local participation.
“Given the pristine setting of Umiam Lake, local communities will have the opportunity to engage tourists through a range of water sports activities, thereby creating alternative avenues for livelihood generation,” Pakyntein said.
She added, “The project will create a platform where the hotel authorities can procure local produce directly from the local farmers and the fishing community, thus establishing a direct buyer-seller market with best market prices.”
Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Dr. G.H. Chyrmang, said, “Even after the receipt of the CTE, the Board require a CTO (Consent to Operate).”
He explained, “There are two conditions in the CTO. General conditions and specific conditions and everything are reflected there. The sewage which is generated which includes effluent, solid waste and everything else.”
He added, “Even when they want to renew their certificates, they have to submit compliance reports which also means monitoring from time to time and if we find anything that amounts to a violation of the laid down conditions they can be closed down and that is within our authority.”
The government has pointed to the steady rise in tourist footfall from around 12 lakh before the pandemic to over 16 lakh currently as a key reason for expanding high-end accommodation and tourism infrastructure. It maintains that such projects will generate employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen tourism-linked livelihoods across sectors.
Meghalaya has emerged as one of the faster-growing states in the country in the post-COVID era, recording an average growth rate of nearly 10% over the past three years, with tourism playing a significant role in this growth. Tourism in the state is no longer seasonal and has become more stable and structured, driven by its cultural heritage, communities and local entrepreneurs.
Tourism-linked livelihoods have expanded from about 50,000 in 2022 to nearly 75,000 at present. Government-backed initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission—under which over 800 homestays have been sanctioned and another 3,000 are in the pipeline—along with tourism vehicle schemes and community-based programmes, are aimed at increasing tourist stay and deepening local spending.
Officials highlight that hospitality projects generate substantial employment, with each hotel creating around 200 to 500 direct jobs and 600 to 1,500 indirect opportunities, most of them taken up by local youth. Existing establishments such as Vivanta Meghalaya by Taj and Courtyard by Marriott together employ 130 local staff out of a total workforce of 268.
The government maintains that projects like the Taj Umiam Resort and Spa will also boost Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism by attracting high-value visitors, ensuring year-round tourism activity and generating employment across sectors including hospitality, transport and event management, while increasing demand for local goods, services and experiences.
Such hospitality projects have a multiplier effect on the local economy—supporting farmers, artisans, transport operators and small businesses, while encouraging entrepreneurship and skill development among local youth.
However, opposition to the project continues, led by the GTF, which has raised concerns over environmental implications despite the government’s clarification on the project site. At the same time, several voices from civil society have come out in support, highlighting potential benefits.
Shillong-based citizen Avner Pariat said, “The Taj Group has a reputation, a name, accolades, and a history of more than 100 years.”
He added, “I believe the company does not want to disappoint anyone, and now that it has signed an MoU with the government and the people, it would not want to do anything to jeopardise that. It will do everything in its power to keep people satisfied.”
He further stated, “If the company does anything against that, we can take it forward and address it, because it would not want to lose its reputation or its standing. I feel that if more people are aware of the benefits, or take the time to consider them, they will come forward and accept it.”
Supporting the initiative, RTI activist Disparsing Rani of Ri-Bhoi said the project is expected to generate employment for local youth, create opportunities in water-based tourism and benefit local fishermen through increased demand, while also encouraging better upkeep of Umiam Lake.
As the protest continues and political voices begin to enter the debate, the government has maintained its position that the project will move forward within defined environmental safeguards, even as differing views within civil society reflect the broader tension between development priorities and environmental concerns.
Recently, VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, while expressing solidarity with the GTF hunger strike, alleged that such an initiative can turn Shillong into a destination for sex tourism. Local people engaged in the hospitality industry in Meghalaya and across the country have strongly criticised the VPP supremo’s statement.
