By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 15: The original Consent to Establish (CTE) issued on March 17 by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) had permitted construction of permanent structures on Lumpongdeng Island as part of a proposed luxury resort and spa project in Ri-Bhoi district.
Under the initial approval, the built-up area for the 36-acre island component—covering villas, restaurants, cafés and other facilities—was capped at 8,896 square metres. The number of luxury villas was also restricted to a maximum of 25.
However, following mounting pressure amid ongoing protests, the MSPCB on Tuesday issued a corrigendum withdrawing all provisions related to construction on the island and introducing strict curbs on development activities.
The revised order, issued with reference to the March 17 CTE, comes in the backdrop of strong opposition from the Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya and other groups against the proposed project.
According to MSPCB Member Secretary GH Chyrmang, the corrigendum clearly prohibits any form of permanent construction on the island. A new clause under the General Conditions stipulates that no permanent structures will be allowed on the 36-acre site.
In addition, sub-condition No. 5 has been revised to state that both the number of structures and the total built-up area for Lumpongdeng Island must remain at zero, effectively enforcing a complete ban on construction. The Board has also directed strict adherence to the Concession Agreement signed on February 25, 2026, between the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya and the project proponent. Any violation of the revised conditions will result in immediate revocation of the Consent to Establish.
Meanwhile, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the Consent to Establish (CTE) reportedly issued by the MSPCB on March 17, which indicated the possibility of constructing around 25 villas along with cafés and restaurants at Lumpongdeng Island.
Speaking to reporters after meeting members of the Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem questioned the credibility of official communications.
“Such official documents raise questions on who the public should trust,” Synrem said.
While acknowledging that a recent communication from the pollution control board stated that no permanent structures would be allowed on Lumpongdeng, Synrem expressed concern over the government’s plan to host concerts and festivals at the site, warning that such activities could still harm the fragile ecosystem.
The HYC reiterated its full support to the foundation’s demand that Lumpongdeng Island should remain untouched and urged the government to refrain from intervening in eco-sensitive areas. It also suggested relocating the project, pointing out that nearly 260 acres of land are available in the Umiam area.
Reaffirming its position, the organisation said it stands in solidarity with the Green-Tech Foundation in its effort to protect the environment, stressing that conservation is both a cultural obligation and a governance responsibility.
Highlighting the ecological significance of Umiam Lake, Synrem noted that the area comprises several eco-sensitive zones that support diverse wildlife and aquatic life. He added that Lumpongdeng Island serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds and other species.
“The destruction of such habitats would leave wildlife with no refuge. We are not against development, but it must be balanced and not come at the cost of environmental degradation,” he said.
Synrem further warned that any disturbance to eco-sensitive zones could lead to long-term environmental damage that would outweigh potential economic gains.
