The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to oppose the use of Forest Department land to beautify the area around Umiam Lake.
Last month, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed of a state government plan to use 300 acres of Forest Department land for the creation of new and improved tourism facilities around Umiam Lake. Lyngdoh had spoken of creating entertainment zones and upscaling the present accommodation facilities available at the Orchid Lake Resort, owned by the government through the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). He even mentioned the possibility of a helipad for high value tourists.
Yesterday, VPP president Ardent M Basaiawmoit MLA said in its letter to the CM that “While the intent to boost tourism and economic growth is appreciated, this plan has several significant drawbacks, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.”
According to the VPP, the plan to allocate 300 acres of land for the beautification of Umiam Lake could pose a severe threat to the local ecosystem.
The party feels that this move could lead to extensive deforestation, disrupting the habitat of various flora and fauna and leading to soil erosion, which will negatively impact the Umiam Lake’s water quality.
The VPP stated that historical data shows that Meghalaya lost 17,100 hectares of forest land between 2014 and 2020.
“Given this alarming rate of deforestation, it is crucial to protect our remaining forests rather than converting them for tourism infrastructure,” the VPP told the CM.
The party also stated that the introduction of extensive water sports and entertainment facilities around Umiam Lake could lead to further pollution, despite assurances of lake rejuvenation.
Basaiawmoit felt that additional human activity and potential pollution from boats and other water sports equipment could overwhelm these efforts and result in long-term environmental degradation.
It also said that the focus on attracting high-value tourists through luxury facilities and helicopter services may not be sustainable or inclusive and that such a model might not benefit local communities as much as grassroots eco-friendly tourism initiatives would.
According to the VPP, there is a risk that the heavy investment in luxury tourism might not yield the anticipated economic benefits if it fails to attract the targeted number of high-spending tourists.
It also felt that the current plan does not adequately consider the needs and concerns of the local communities living around Umiam Lake.
“These communities could face displacement or significant changes to their way of life without proper consultation and compensation. The emphasis on high-end tourism could marginalise local vendors and small businesses that currently thrive on a more accessible budget tourism,” the VPP said.
The party also said that the existing road infrastructure is already inadequate to support the current traffic levels.
