Shillong, Apr 5: On the Lumpongdeng island matter, state Congress Party leader Manuel Badwar has slammed the state government for lacking transparency.
Speaking to HP, Badwar said it is a matter of concern after seeing the RTI revelations by the Green Tech Foundation on the project.
“The youth of the Green Tech Foundation are not agitating for the sake of agitation but they know what they are doing and they have every right to question the government,” he said. If the Tourism Minister doesn’t know what’s happening, it shows there’s no transparency even within the government itself.
“In a tribal land like ours and our society, I believe the government should be transparent when they do or decide to undertake such projects,” he said. Even if it’s a lease for 50 years, nobody knows what the lease is all about or the conditions. Private parties are definitely required, but it should not be a sell-out.
“You are giving out some of the best locations, which are also restricted and fall under MeECL, etc., without the knowledge of the public. It’s extremely condemnable and shows corruption in the way of functioning, thought process, and procedural manner,” Badwar said.
From an environmental point of view, Badwar said he’s no expert, but it’s obvious such projects will have an environmental impact. “It would have been wiser for the government to involve many stakeholders as possible because if nobody has any report on the kind of environmental impact this project is going to have and how it’s going to destroy the pristine nature in and around that area, it will dissolve tremendous value of the state and mankind.”
“If things are done without transparency, it shows the government’s intention is not to involve and take everyone along. You want to involve only a few and ensure wealth creation is at the cost of mother nature.”
Badwar added, “I think the Green Tech Foundation has been wise to take this up, and it’s fantastic that we have such a good organization in the state that’s concerned. It’s the voice of the future of the state.”
He further said the government should pay heed to the voice of the young generation, who are taking up these endeavors. “By hearing their findings, it doesn’t seem like they’ve made baseless allegations. I stand against any non-transparent move of the government.”
The Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) has refuted the state government’s claims that the planned luxury resort on Umiam Lake won’t harm the environment. GTF expressed grave fears over the 66-acre hospitality project, entrusted to the Tata Group’s Indian Hotel Co Ltd (IHCL) by the Meghalaya government.
The state government signed an agreement with IHCL for Lumpongdeng island (36 acres) and redevelopment of the Orchid Lake Resort (30 acres). GTF filed a petition with the Tourism Department, citing concerns over preserving the environment and ecological fragility. The Tourism Department’s Commissioner and Secretary, Vijay Kumar D, countered GTF’s concerns, assuring IHCL will comply with laws and guidelines.
However, GTF said the department misled the public and questioned Kumar’s suitability. An RTI reply from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board states Umiam developers have consent to establish luxury villas, cafes, and restaurants on the island, which GTF argues must be permanent.
