SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Tourism Department has clarified that there is no project in Lumpongdeng Island, urging the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) to withdraw its ongoing hunger strike on humanitarian grounds.
The statement came after a meeting between Director of Tourism BL Pakyntein and GTF leaders, who have been staging an indefinite hunger strike demanding the scrapping of a proposed tourism project on the island.
Appealing to the protesters, Pakyntein said the department shares the same objective as GTF—preserving the natural beauty of Lumpongdeng.
“We appeal to them to withdraw the protest because what they want is also what we want—preservation, upliftment, and keeping the natural environment intact for people to enjoy,” she said.
She firmly reiterated that the government has no intention of constructing any permanent structures on the island.
“In no uncertain terms have we stated that there will be no permanent construction in Lumpongdeng. The focus remains on protecting its natural environment,” she added.
Addressing GTF’s demand to scrap the project, Pakyntein clarified that such a demand does not arise since no project currently exists.
“The question of withdrawing any project does not arise because there is no project in Lumpongdeng,” she said.
She explained that any future tourism activity would be limited to experiential tourism and would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account environmental concerns.
While acknowledging the right to protest, the Tourism Department urged GTF to end the hunger strike, emphasizing the risks to human life.
“This is a humanitarian issue. We request them to withdraw the hunger strike first. All other concerns can be discussed through dialogue. There is no harm in raising objections, but no harm should come to anyone,” Pakyntein said.
The department also assured that it remains open to continued discussions and consultations with stakeholders regarding any concerns related to Lumpongdeng Island.