Shillong, April 14: Deputy Chief Minister Bah Prestone Tynsong has assured that the state government will not allow any destruction of Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake, stating that the area will instead be preserved and beautified similar to Ward’s Lake in Shillong.
His statement comes amid the ongoing indefinite hunger strike by the Green Tech Foundation (GTF), which has entered its sixth day. The protest is being carried out against the agreement between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd for the development of a luxury tourism project, including a proposed five-star hotel at Lumpongdeng.
Addressing the media, Tynsong said the government is committed to protecting the island by planting more trees and enhancing its natural beauty rather than damaging it. He added that the proposed hospitality project at Orchid Umiam would boost employment opportunities for local youth, particularly those trained in hotel management, with 70 to 80 percent of jobs expected to be reserved for residents of the state.
He also urged members of the GTF to cooperate with the government and understand its position, while acknowledging that their protest is driven by concerns for environmental protection. Tynsong stated that existing environmental laws already restrict activities that could harm sensitive areas like Lumpongdeng.
Supporting the government’s assurance, a corrigendum issued by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board clarified that no permanent construction will be permitted on the 36-acre Lumpongdeng Island and that any violation would lead to cancellation of approvals.
The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that the government remains open to dialogue and is willing to engage with GTF leaders to resolve the issue amicably.
The situation continues to evolve as the protest intensifies, with growing public attention on the future of Lumpongdeng Island.
