Amid uproar against the proposed luxury resort and spa project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday sought to allay public concerns, stating clearly that no permanent construction would be allowed on the island. Addressing media persons in Shillong, the Chief Minister said the agreement signed between the State government and the Tourism Department, explicitly specified that no permanent structures would be permitted on the site.
Sangma further dismissed apprehensions that the island would be turned into a concrete setup. “Temporary arrangements such as shamianas, pandals and stalls will only be allowed for limited durations during events, after which they will be dismantled,” the Chief Minister said, adding that such short-term arrangements would not have any lasting impact on the island or its flora and fauna.
“Some approvals mentioned in the project were in line with Forest Department provisions under specific conditions, but the government has ensured through the agreement that no permanent construction would take place,” he clarified. He further hoped that the clarification would address the concerns raised by various sections of the public and environmental groups regarding the project.