Shillong, March 31: The Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, has dismissed as “factually incorrect” reports circulating on social media regarding the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project, stating that concerns over environmental damage are “misinformed and misleading.”
According to the official statement, the project will be developed over 66 acres, including 36.10 acres at Lumpondeng Island and 29.64 acres of the existing Orchid Lake Resort, with a focus on promoting high-value, low-impact tourismwhile ensuring strict ecological protection.
The project is being executed by Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which has obtained the necessary Consent to Establish (CTE). The SPV has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for operation under the “Taj Umiam Resort & Spa” brand. All construction and operations will adhere strictly to IHCL’s Taj brand standards, ensuring compliance with design, safety, quality, and sustainability norms.
The Department highlighted IHCL’s track record in sustainable tourism, noting its participation in the EarthCheck Certified Program since 2008 and its ongoing environmental initiatives across multiple properties. It cited the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg as a model example, developed within a rainforest with minimal land use and no tree felling, showcasing sustainable hospitality practices.
Authorities assured that the project will fully comply with Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023 and Norms set by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other statutory bodies. Special attention will be given to protecting the local ecosystem, including avian and aquatic life, through strict measures on biodiversity conservation, pollution control, waste management, and long-term monitoring.
The Tourism Department reiterated that the project is being undertaken with utmost environmental responsibility, ensuring that development at Umiam remains both sustainable and legally compliant.
