By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 20: In a significant policy reversal, the Meghalaya government has decided to completely remove Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa project, following sustained agitation by the Green-Tech Foundation and concerns raised by local stakeholders.
The decision was taken after a delegation from Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi met Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Monday and voiced strong reservations over any permanent development on the picturesque 36-acre island in Umiam Lake.
The Synjuk extended its full support for developing the five-star hotel at the existing Umiam Orchid Lake Resort site instead.
MDA spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla told reporters that the government, after carefully listening to public concerns, has withdrawn the island from the project.
“Since there are concerns and we do what the public wants, at this point we have decided to close the project at Lumpongdeng but the original project in the existing Orchid building at Umiam Lake will continue,” Shylla said.
He appealed to the Green-Tech Foundation to immediately call off its indefinite hunger strike, as the government has accepted their core demand regarding the island.
Shylla denied any hidden agenda behind the initiative, emphasising that the motive was to partner with a prestigious brand like Taj to promote high-end tourism while generating employment opportunities for local youth.
“Many people may say that the government has bent down, but I would like to say that the government is not bending. We are listening to the aspirations of the people,” he added.
He acknowledged that some groups had attempted to politicise the issue ahead of the Shillong parliamentary by-elections, but asserted that the government was simply responding to the aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has issued an official letter to both the Green-Tech Foundation and the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi, formally confirming that Lumpongdeng Island measuring 36 acres stands excluded from the Concession Agreement dated February 25, 2026, signed with Umiam Hotel Pvt Ltd (Taj Resort and Spa). The agreement will be suitably amended in due course to reflect this change.
“The five-star luxury resort will be built in and around the land measuring 30 acres where the existing Umiam Orchid Lake Resort is currently located,” the letter stated.
This development comes after 12 days of hunger strike by Green-Tech Foundation members that had intensified environmental concerns over the fragile ecosystem of Umiam Lake and its island.
The government’s move is being seen as a victory for local voices demanding protection of the natural landscape while still allowing tourism development on the mainland site.
