SHILLONG : Traditional heads under the banner of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi District have extended full support to the Meghalaya government’s proposal to construct a 7-star Taj hotel at Umiam. The assurance came following a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, where the government also agreed to keep the proposed tourism projects on Lumpongdeng Island in abeyance.
Speaking to reporters, general secretary of the Synjuk, Pynwanbor Sylliang, said the organisation has expressed gratitude to the MDA government for bringing such a major project to Ri Bhoi district. He stated that the Synjuk fully supports the construction of the 7-star Taj resort and spa on the existing Orchid Hotel land at Umiam, which spans around 30 acres. At the same time, he informed that they had requested the government to suspend any tourism-related activities on Lumpongdeng Island until further discussions are held, a request that has been accepted.
Sylliang further clarified that the proposed hotel will be constructed on the existing Orchid Hotel site, which has been operational for many years. He pointed out that the infrastructure is ageing, and the government’s initiative aims to modernise the area before the current structure becomes unusable.
On the issue of Lumpongdeng Island, Sylliang acknowledged ongoing protests by environmental groups and said the Synjuk had advised the government to pause the project. He confirmed that Tynsong has assured that the tourism project on the island will remain suspended for now, while work on the Umiam hotel project is expected to move forward soon.
Highlighting local support, Sylliang said that five dorbar shnong under the Umiam area have backed the project, recognising its potential benefits for local stakeholders. He added that these villages are keen to retain the project in Ri Bhoi, especially in light of recent suggestions to relocate it elsewhere.
Referring to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s proposal to shift the project to Wahiajer, Sylliang maintained that projects intended for Ri Bhoi district should remain within the district. He stressed that while land is available in other areas, the Synjuk does not want to lose such a significant development opportunity.
Sylliang also noted that the upcoming hotel would complement the expansion of Umroi Airport, making Umiam a more accessible destination for tourists. With plans already underway to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, he said the presence of a luxury hotel would further boost tourism in the region.
In addition, he highlighted that the agreement between the state government and the Taj Group includes provisions to promote local agricultural products. Given that a large portion of Ri Bhoi’s population depends on agriculture, Sylliang said the project could create new opportunities and strengthen the local economy.