Shillong, Mar 30: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira supposedly does not have an inkling into the luxury resort that is set to be built on Umiam Lake. This was stated by Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), an environmental group that met with him today.
Last week GTF expressed grave fears over the 66-acre hospitality project at Umiam Lake, 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 Lumpondeng island (36 acres) on the Umiam Lake reservoir as well as redevelopment of the Orchid Lake Resort (30 acres) on the water’s edge. Green-Tech’s criticisms were varied but, in the main, they were chiefly concerned with the potential for environmental harm.
The foundation has filed a petition with the Tourism Department, citing concerns over preserving the pristine environment and ecological fragility of the area.
GTF has questioned the government’s motive to lease ecologically sensitive lands to corporates, which does not align with Meghalaya’s natural heritage.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, GTF’s members claimed that Shira had told them that he was unaware that Lumpondeng island was part of the agreement with IHCL and he has called for a departmental meeting to discuss the issue.
The organisation has also appreciated the thousands of people who signed an online petition to preserve Umiam Lake’s environment.
