Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, in response to the Zero Hour notice raised by the MLA of North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum, informed the House that the issue regarding the land at Umiam leased to the Maitshaphrang Tourism Promotion Group (MTPG) has been “amicably resolved.”
Mondal explained that the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) owns Lumpongdeng Island at Umiam Lake, which spans approximately 40.72 acres.
He noted that one acre of this island had been leased to MTPG for a 10-year period, from February 7, 1997, to February 6, 2007, at an annual rent of Rs 10,000, subject to a 5 percent increase each year. When MeECL needed the land, they notified the MTPG chairman in November last year that the lease would not be renewed.
The MTPG has been using the site as a base for various adventure and watersports activities.
On January 15, 2025, the MTPG chairman requested an extension to allow for further discussions with the relevant authorities. Mondal confirmed that this request was granted, and the deadline was extended until February 15, 2025.
He added, “We have taken this matter seriously and discussed it with the lessee. We are proceeding according to the original agreement and the matter has been resolved.”