Shillong, April 10: The Tourism Department of Meghalaya has clarified that no permanent construction will be permitted on Lumpongdeng Island in connection with the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project at Umiam.
According to the official press release, the resort will instead be developed at the existing Orchid Lake Resort site in Ri Bhoi district, while Lumpongdeng Island will be protected from permanent structural development.
The department stated that a prior decision taken during a meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM), chaired by the Chief Minister on July 8, 2025, had already mandated that no permanent construction would be allowed on the island. Only non-intrusive, seasonal or temporary structures using lightweight, modular and sustainable materials may be permitted, which can be dismantled or relocated when required.
It further informed that this condition has been incorporated in the tender documents issued in October 2025 as well as in the concession agreement signed on February 25, 2026 between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd.
At the same time, the department noted that under existing statutory provisions, construction is permissible on the island outside a 50-metre buffer zone from the High Flood Level, in accordance with national and state water body protection rules, as well as pollution control guidelines.
The Tourism Department also clarified that the Consent to Establish (CTE) issued by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is only a provisional approval. Any construction activity related to the project will be undertaken only after the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) is examined and approved, strictly in line with the terms of the concession agreement.
Officials reiterated that all activities under the project will adhere to the stipulated conditions, ensuring that no permanent construction takes place on Lumpongdeng Island.
