RI-BHOI : The Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) has made its stance clear on the proposed Taj Resort and Spa project at Umiam, stating that it will not oppose or support the project unless key pending demands are fulfilled first.
Speaking to the media after a special Central Executive Committee meeting, RBYF president Bipul Thangkhiew said the organization has taken a conditional stand amid growing public queries regarding its position on the government’s plan.
“Even if a 10-star resort is brought in, we will welcome it — but only after the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and expansion of Umroi Airport,” he said.
The federation stressed that there is little benefit in promoting tourism if critical infrastructure remains inadequate. It pointed out that the current limitations of Umroi Airport prevent large aircraft from landing, forcing many tourists to arrive via Assam, thereby benefiting the neighboring state economically.
RBYF also highlighted that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution on December 19, 2019, supporting the implementation of ILP. However, the matter remains pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs and has yet to be enforced.
The federation asserted that once these two key demands — ILP implementation and airport expansion — are fulfilled, it will be the first to welcome not only the Taj Resort but also other tourism-related projects in the state.
For now, RBYF has urged the government to prioritize these longstanding issues before proceeding with large-scale tourism investments in Umiam.