Shillong, Mar 31: The Tourism Department today dismissed fears that the development of a luxury resort on Umiam Lake will have negative environmental effects.
Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) last week issued such concerns and yesterday met Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira over the matter. As he did not have a full grasp of the facts regarding the project, the department issued a detailed rebuttal to GTF’s worries.
According to a statement issued by Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D, “This development follows a carefully considered planning process specifically aimed at promoting high-value, low-impact tourism while ensuring absolute ecological protection.”
GTF wants the cancellation of the 66-acre hospitality project, which has been entrusted to the Tata Group’s Indian Hotel Co Ltd (IHCL) by the Meghalaya government.
The state government has signed an agreement with IHCL, which operates brands such as Vivanta and Taj, for development of Lumpongdeng island (36 acres) on the Umiam Lake reservoir as well as redevelopment of the Orchid Lake Resort (30 acres) on the water’s edge.
Kumar today stated that the fragility of the local micro-ecosystem, including any potential impacts on avian and aquatic life, shall be accorded the highest priority through rigorous measures for biodiversity conservation, pollution control, waste minimisation and long-term ecological monitoring, thereby ensuring that the development remains environmentally responsible and legally compliant.
The civil servant assured that IHCL will “fully comply” with relevant laws and guidelines, conditions stipulated by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other statutory bodies and rigorously comply with design, safety, quality and sustainability standards.
He asserted that IHCL “has demonstrated a sustained commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism” in its other properties and provided the example of the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa and Coorg, which is situated in a rainforest.
Meanwhile, GTF’s opposition is undiminished. Members of the organisation visited Lumpongdeng island today to highlight concerns over the project’s potential impact on Umiam Lake’s environment.
In a statement, GTF said that the lake’s natural beauty and serene surroundings are already a major tourist attraction and no construction or development should compromise its ecological integrity. The organisation remains firm in its opposition to any corporate exploitation of the lake and Lumpongdeng.
