Umiam, Meghalaya: Village leaders from four localities near Umiam Lake — Umiam, Umbir, Mawlyndep, and Umniuh — have clarified that they have neither supported nor opposed the proposed 5-star resort project in the area.
According to the shnong leaders, while they are not against development, they believe it is important to first receive detailed and clear information about the project before taking any decision. This is especially concerning the reported plan to construct infrastructure on Lumpongdeng Island.
The leaders stated that they are still in the dark regarding key aspects of the project, as they have not yet received complete information from the authorities.
Speaking to the media, Mawlyndep Rangbah Shnong Bah Jinu Kharbuki, Umniuh Rangbah Shnong Bah William Lyngdoh, Umbir Rangbah Shnong Bah P.J. Kurbah, and Umiam Rangbah Shnong Bah Steven Kharkrang reiterated that no official stance has been taken by their respective villages so far.
They also clarified that reports suggesting that the villages have already extended support to the project are incorrect. According to them, no resolution has been passed until now.
The leaders further pointed out that the meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner on the 10th of this month was only meant to hear initial briefings. It was also the first time that the shnong representatives were formally included in discussions related to the proposed resort.
Regarding the ongoing protest by the Green Tech Foundation, the shnong leaders said they only came to know about it through media reports and that there has been no direct engagement or consultation with them on the matter.
As of now, the shnong leaders are awaiting a comprehensive clarification from the government. They emphasized that a final decision — whether to support or oppose the Umiam 5-star resort project — will only be taken after receiving complete and transparent information.