Shillong, Apr 10: Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) and the state government are standing their ground in respect to the Lumpongdeng Island luxury tourism project, each in their own corner.
Members of GTF, which has spearheaded opposition to the planned resort, claims that the project will disrupt flora and fauna and cause environmental harm.
The state government signed an agreement with Indian Hotels Co Ltd (IHCL) last year to develop the site while renovating the existing Orchid Lake Resort that is on the lake’s shoreline. Although the government has insisted that no permanent structures will be set up on Lumpongdeng, this has not satisfied GTF and its cause has been supported by opposition parties and pressure groups.
Although the project has received permission (i.e. Consent to Establish) from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to set up various structures on Lumpongdeng, which sits on the waters of Umiam Lake, such as villas, restaurants and cafes, the Tourism Department and Chief Minister have insisted that no permanent infrastructure will be built on the island. The CM explained that though Consent to Establish has been received, the department has decided that no permanent buildings will be constructed there. Only temporary shamianas, pandals and stalls will be permitted for specific events and will be dismantled after, ensuring no impact on the island’s flora and fauna, he added.
Unsatisfied with this, GTF members are on hunger strike at Madan Malki here.
As per Right to Information (RTI) replies, Consent to Establish was granted as per the particulars given by the applicant. The built-up area of Lumpongdeng island, includes 36 acres and includes villas, restaurants and cafes.
“You (the CM) are misleading the public. Here they are talking about villas, restaurants and cafes and you came out with a clarification saying that there would be no permanent structures,” Lyngdoh said.
He said how can the structures be temporary in nature when the CTE speaks differently. The GTF secretary said that the Lumpongdeng island is untouched, pristine and is a place for migratory birds – a hub for avian species and thriving flora and fauna.
“Your music festivals will deplete all the biodiversity that is flourishing out there,” Lyngdoh said, adding that the government has no right to commercialise the area be it permanent or temporary.
“We will not allow you to disturb the biodiversity of Lumpongdeng island,” he said.
Meanwhile, today the Tourism Department clarified that the Consent to Establish issued by the MSPCB is a provisional document.
“Any construction activity related to the project shall be undertaken only after the final DPR (detailed project report) is examined and approved by the Tourism Department, strictly in accordance with the terms of the concession agreement, which explicitly prohibits any permanent construction on the island,” the department stated in a press release.
According to the statement, there will be no permanent construction undertaken on the Lumpongdeng Island as per the concession agreement signed between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd (the special purpose vehicle created for the project) for the development, operations and maintenance of the property.
Lumpongdeng makes up roughly half of the concession, with the main resort to be constructed on the existing Orchid Lake Resort premises, which lie on the shore of Umiam Lake.
The Tourism Department also stated that prior to issuance of the tender document, it was decided in the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM) on July 8, 2025 that there would be no permanent construction allowed on the Lumpongdeng island.
“Only non-intrusive, seasonal or temporary structures designed using lightweight, modular and sustainable materials which can be disassembled or relocated as needed, similar to the activities taken up at Ward’s Lake,” the department clarified, referring to how the latter is used for festivals and other activities with the setting up of temporary stalls, stages, etc.
This decision was duly incorporated in the 2025 tender issued by the Tourism Department and in the conditions of the concession agreement signed on February 25, 2026 with Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday reiterated that the government has no intention to build permanent structures at the Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam.
Sangma also stated that the government’s tourism strategy is a holistic one that requires building of infrastructures like hotels and five-star properties and also ensure people get the benefits of the tourism development.
He added that his government is trying to strike a balance between economic development and the environment.
