In a major development, the Meghalaya government has officially excluded Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa project, following sustained protests and environmental concerns raised by the Green-Tech Foundation and local stakeholders. The decision prompted the Green-Tech Foundation to call off its 12-day indefinite hunger strike at Malki Ground on Monday evening. The protest, which began on April 9, was organized against the inclusion of the ecologically sensitive Lumpongdeng Island in the tourism project.
Foundation secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh announced the withdrawal after receiving an official communication from the Tourism Department. A letter issued by Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir clearly stated that the 36-acre island would not be part of the project’s development plan. Lyngdoh described this as the fulfilment of their primary demand.
The agitation had highlighted concerns that Lumpongdeng Island is a fragile ecosystem requiring protection from commercial exploitation. While calling off the protest, Lyngdoh criticized the state government for what he termed a delayed and insensitive response, alleging that authorities initially expected the movement to weaken after the foundation’s chairman was hospitalized. He clarified that the movement was focused solely on environmental concerns, adding that issues related to alleged corruption and governance failures would now be left for other organizations to pursue. He also invited civil society groups to follow up on these matters and offered to share relevant documents, referred to as the “Lumpongdeng files.”
Earlier, foundation member H. Bansiewdor Nonglang received a warm welcome upon returning to Malki Ground after medical treatment. Addressing supporters, he expressed gratitude for their unwavering support throughout the hunger strike. The government’s decision came after a delegation from Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi met Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and opposed any permanent development on the island. The group instead supported the construction of a five-star hotel at the existing Umiam Orchid Lake Resort site. Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla confirmed that the government had withdrawn the island from the project after listening to public concerns. He stated that while the Lumpongdeng component has been dropped, the original plan to develop a luxury resort at the existing Orchid Lake Resort site will continue.
Shylla emphasised that the government’s objective was to promote high-end tourism in partnership with a reputed brand like Taj while generating employment for local youth. He denied allegations of any hidden agenda and maintained that the decision reflects the aspirations of the people. The Tourism Department has formally communicated to both the Green-Tech Foundation and Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi that Lumpongdeng Island has been excluded from the Concession Agreement signed on February 25, 2026, with Umiam Hotel Pvt Ltd. The agreement will be amended accordingly.
The proposed five-star resort will now be developed on approximately 30 acres of land at the existing Umiam Orchid Lake Resort. The development is widely seen as a significant victory for environmental activism and local community voices, balancing ecological protection with tourism development.