300 acres of Forest and Environment Department land will be used by the state government for the creation of new and improved tourism facilities in the Umiam Lake area, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed today.
The government aims to make Umiam a leading tourism location, not just in Meghalaya but the whole North East.
Lyngdoh informed that the government is working on an ambitious project to expand facilities, create entertainment zones and upscale the present accommodation facilities available at the Orchid Lake Resort, owned by the government through the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
Umiam will be one of if not the primary tourist hub in the state under these plans.
“There will be walking spaces around Nehru Park, facilities for children, adventure sports and other entertainment options. We are identifying specific activities to be developed,” Lyngdoh said.
However, these developments will not come up right on the lakeside as the Meghalaya High Court has placed restrictions on building activity near the water.
Umiam Lake is also heavily polluted, with Shillong’s filthy rivers draining into the artificial reservoir.
Addressing concerns about the pollution, the minister assured that lake rejuvenation is integral to the redevelopment plan. “We are planning to rejuvenate Umiam Lake. The Department of Power has been tasked with desiltation and other cleaning measures, which will start soon,” he stated. The lake’s cleaning is expected to commence within six months, while the broader expansion work is anticipated to begin within a year.
Lyngdoh also confirmed that expansion would focus on the hillside areas, avoiding infringement on water bodies, as per the direction of the High Court. “We will gain 300 acres of land which is not immediately contiguous to the lake,” he explained.
Lyngdoh also addressed the challenges posed by the clogged road infrastructure. “To support tourism as a vital sector of the economy, road development must also be prioritised,” he said, highlighting the plan to decongest Shillong. “Improving the road sector is essential for tourism growth.”
Highlighting future prospects, Lyngdoh revealed plans for substantial capital investment in lake revival, including potential helicopter services connecting Umiam with other tourist spots within Meghalaya. “For instance, Umiam to New Shillong and New Shillong to Sohra. These air connections will attract high-value tourists who will spend more, even if footfall is lower,” he concluded.
