Yielding to sustained public pressure and concerns raised by traditional heads and local stakeholders in Ri Bhoi district, the Meghalaya government has decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed five-star luxury resort project at Umiam, while allowing the broader tourism development plan to proceed with modifications. The move follows consultations between the government and representatives of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, who underscored the need to protect the island even as they expressed support for the continuation of the project in principle. The decision also comes amid a prolonged hunger strike by Green-Tech Foundation Chairman opposing the inclusion of the island, prompting the government to recalibrate its approach to balance development priorities with public sentiment.
The decision was announced by cabinet minister and MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla after a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong with a delegation of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong of Ri Bhoi district. A formal communication has also been sent by the Tourism department to concerned stakeholders.
Talking to media persons, Shylla said, “The Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong of Ri Bhoi district came to meet us in the chamber of our Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong, in presence of Director from the Tourism department. So in that discussion from the Synjuk, they have raised concern regarding the issue with the Lumpongdeng but they are quite firm that they want the project to continue but since there are concern about this particular Island, so they request the government that to withdraw Lumpongdeng as of now. So after hearing their concerned and then from the government point of view since from day one we are very clear that in the original agreement that from the government side we are straight forward we have said from the day one that there will be no construction in Lumpongdeng. It will be purely a experiencial tourism. So that’s why, since today the Sonjuki Rongbha Shnong came, who are direct stakeholder of that area. So that’s why we thought since there are concern from public because as you all know that we are always no doubt, whatever it is, because whatever we do, we want a public to support and it is for the beneficial for the public. So that’s why we thought that it is best at this point of time that we will withdraw Lumpongdeng from this project. But the original project in existing lake where Orkid hotel there that project will continue.”
Emphasising the economic rationale behind the project, he added, “The main motive of the government in doing this, is to bring the employment opportunity for our youth. Because as we all know that we are facing the problem of unemployment and we all know that we cannot give government job to each and every one. So that’s why government is finding this ways and means to bring this this company and Taj is a prestigious company in the country in the world right now. So that’s why we thought that we will bring it, so the our youth will get the employment opportunities.”
