From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, April 24: The Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) on Friday declared its opposition to the proposed Taj Resort & Spa at Umiam, stating it will resist the project until the state government implements the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and completes the expansion of Umroi Airport.
Following a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting in Saiden, RBYF president Bipul Thangkhiew said the federation is concerned that the economic benefits of such high-end projects will not reach local stakeholders under current conditions.
Thangkhiew argued that without an upgraded airport capable of handling larger aircraft, tourists will continue to land at the Guwahati airport.
This, he claimed, ensures that transport profits remain with operators in Assam, leaving Meghalaya’s youths as mere spectators to the development.
On the demand for ILP, the RBYF president urged the state’s elected representatives to move beyond the blame games witnessed in the Assembly.
He called on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and all MLAs to uphold the 2019 resolution, suggesting they should stage a hunger strike in New Delhi if necessary to secure the permit’s implementation.
The RBYF clarified that it does not oppose luxury hospitality developments in principle but insists that these two conditions are non-negotiable.
Thangkhiew added that the RBYF also opposes the proposed resort even if it is built at the site of the existing Orchid Lake Resort, as long as the state lacks these safeguards.
Regarding the environmental impact on Lumpongdeng Island, the federation stated it is currently relying on media reports and lacks independent data on migratory bird patterns in the area.
However, Thangkhiew expressed appreciation for the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) for its efforts in highlighting environmental issues across the state.
