SHILLONG, April 17: The Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya has strongly sharpened its opposition to the proposed luxury tourism project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam, alleging that the state government’s decision to lease the ecologically sensitive area for 60 years amounts to commercial exploitation by corporates.
The foundation has been protesting the development of a 5-star luxury resort and spa project, particularly the reported transfer of approximately 66 acres of land — including 33 acres at Lumpongdeng Island — to a private entity for a Taj-branded project.
Addressing reporters at Malki Ground on Friday, where the indefinite hunger strike by foundation chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang entered its ninth day, secretary-general Ritre Lyngdoh said the core issue has always been the threat posed by the proposed development to the island’s fragile ecosystem.
‘Government shifting stance’
Lyngdoh criticised the government’s repeated clarifications issued through the press, media briefings, and official letters, describing them as “baseless and inconsistent.” He pointed out the rapidly changing official position — from initial indications that the project would proceed, to assurances of no permanent structures, then no temporary structures, and finally claims of no construction at all on the island.
“The very act of leasing the land for six decades clearly indicates commercial intent,” Lyngdoh asserted. He questioned the logic of retaining Lumpongdeng Island under the Concessionaire Agreement for a luxury resort and spa if no construction is planned, calling the government’s stand contradictory and unjustified.
In a detailed letter addressed to Tourism Department Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir (with a copy forwarded to Tourism Director Brenda Lee Pakyntein), the foundation demanded the cancellation of key documents — the Certificate of Handover dated December 19, 2025, the Concessionaire Agreement signed on February 25, 2026, and the lease deed under Schedule P that incorporates Lumpongdeng Island into the project.
The foundation made it clear that the ongoing hunger strike will continue until these agreements are scrapped and the island is returned to the public.
Criticism of Khasi political leaders
Lyngdoh also expressed disappointment over the silence of Khasi political leaders on the controversy, suggesting that political considerations might be influencing their inaction. He noted that, barring the BJP, none of the political parties in the NPP-led MDA 2.0 government have publicly articulated their stand on the issue so far.
In contrast, the BJP had earlier called on the state government to reconsider the project and adopt stringent precautionary measures to safeguard the island’s ecological integrity.
Denial of political motivation
Rejecting allegations that the agitation is politically motivated, Lyngdoh denied any such agenda. He alleged that attempts have been made to weaken the movement through the filing of an FIR, shifting government assurances, personal attacks, and rumours targeting the foundation’s chairman.
Despite these challenges and the government’s “adamant attitude,” Lyngdoh stressed that the foundation remains firm in its opposition to what it calls the commercial exploitation of Lumpongdeng Island.
He urged the government to respect public sentiment, engage with citizens, and uphold democratic principles instead of pushing decisions perceived to be against public interest.
The foundation warned that in a democracy, the public ultimately holds the power to hold leaders accountable.
