By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 29: The state government’s recent decision to hand over 66 acres of land at the Umiam Reservoir to Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), part of the Tata Group, for the development of a luxury resort and spa project has been met with severe opposition by an environment rights group.
Chairman of Green-Tech Foundation, Meghalaya, H. Bansiewdor Nonglang termed the move “deeply concerning” and warned that the project could severely impact the fragile ecosystem of the reservoir, particularly Lumpongdeng Island.
“We strongly and unequivocally oppose the handing over of 66 acres of land at Umiam for this project. The ecological sensitivity of the area cannot be compromised in the name of development,” Nonglang said.
He further revealed that an RTI filed before the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board showed that Consent to Establish (CTE) was granted to a different entity, “Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd,” raising questions about procedural transparency.
“It is alarming that the land has been handed over to one entity while environmental clearance appears to have been granted to another. This raises serious concerns about the legality and accountability of the entire process,” he added.
Highlighting environmental risks, Nonglang pointed out that Umiam Reservoir, the State’s largest hydroelectric project with a capacity of 176 MW, is already facing significant siltation.
“The lake is already burdened with heavy siltation. Any large-scale construction involving tree felling, soil dumping and increased human activity will only worsen the situation and threaten aquatic life and migratory bird species,” he said.
He also referred to previous interventions by the High Court of Meghalaya, which had taken suo motu cognisance of unregulated construction activities around the reservoir and directed the state government to frame protective guidelines.
“The government itself has notified the Meghalaya Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, mandating a 50-metre ‘no construction buffer zone’ from water bodies. This project appears to contradict the very spirit of those guidelines,” Nonglang stated.
While clarifying that the Foundation is not opposed to tourism development elsewhere, he stressed that Umiam Reservoir—particularly Lumpongdeng Island—must remain protected.
“We are not against the development of tourism projects in places like Sohra, New Shillong, or Tura. But this project strikes at the ecological heart of Umiam, and that is unacceptable,” he said.
The Foundation has already filed petitions and RTIs with multiple departments and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, urging authorities not to grant any clearances for the project.
Nonglang further warned that the Foundation would pursue legal action if the project were allowed to go ahead.
“If the authorities move ahead despite these concerns, we will have no option but to approach the High Court again to safeguard Umiam Reservoir,” he said.
He also urged the government to prioritise ecological restoration measures instead of commercial development.
“Public funds should be used for desiltation, afforestation, and conservation of the lake, not for projects that may permanently damage its ecosystem,” Nonglang added.
The Foundation has demanded that the Tourism Department immediately withdraw and terminate the land deal signed with IHCL.
