SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has officially decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed luxury resort project at Umiam following strong public opposition, while confirming that the main project at the existing Orchid Hotel site will proceed.
The announcement was made by cabinet minister and MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla after a key meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong with a delegation of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong of Ri Bhoi district.
According to Shylla, the government has agreed to withdraw all tourism-related activities from the 36-acre Lumpongdeng Island after concerns were raised by local stakeholders. However, he clarified that the core project—a 5-star Taj Resort and Spa—will continue at the existing Umiam Orchid Lake Resort property.
He explained that while the original agreement had already limited activities on Lumpongdeng Island to experiential tourism without construction, the government decided to completely remove the island from the project in order to respect public sentiment and maintain transparency.
Emphasising the government’s position, Shylla stated that the decision reflects its commitment to listening to the people rather than yielding to pressure. He said the government wants any major development project to have full public support and insisted there was no hidden agenda behind the initiative.
The Tourism Department has also formally communicated the decision through an official letter issued by Joint Secretary (Tourism) CS Khongwir to Green Tech Foundation chairman HB Nonglang, who has been on a hunger strike for 12 days, as well as to SRSRB chairman BB Makdoh. The letter confirmed that Lumpongdeng Island has been excluded from the concession agreement signed on February 25, 2026, with Umiam Hotel Pvt Ltd, and that the agreement will be amended accordingly.
At the same time, the government reiterated that the 5-star luxury resort will be developed within the 30-acre area currently occupied by the Orchid Lake Resort near Umiam Lake.
Appealing for normalcy, Shylla urged members of the Green Tech Foundation to call off their ongoing hunger strike, stating that the government has addressed their primary concerns. He reiterated that the main objective of bringing in the Taj Group is to create employment opportunities for local youth, acknowledging that government jobs alone cannot meet the demand.
Responding to criticism that the government had bowed to pressure, Shylla maintained that the decision was a reflection of democratic governance. He said the administration respects public opinion and aims to work in alignment with the aspirations of the people.
On the political angle, he also noted that with the upcoming Shillong MP by-election, various groups may attempt to leverage the issue for political gain.