Guwahati: The Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya has intensified its opposition to the proposed luxury tourism project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam, saying the 60-year lease of the environmentally sensitive island could lead to corporate exploitation.
The protest targets the proposed five-star resort and spa project, along with the reported transfer of around 66 acres of land, including 33 acres on Lumpongdeng Island, to a private company for a Taj-branded development.
At Malki Ground on Friday, where chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang’s indefinite hunger strike entered its ninth day, secretary-general Ritre Lyngdoh said the protest is focused on concerns that the project could severely damage the island’s fragile ecosystem.
Lyngdoh said the government has issued conflicting explanations on the project, which the group considers unreliable.
He said the official stance has shifted repeatedly, from initial approval, to assurances of no permanent structures, to restrictions on temporary construction, and later statements suggesting no development at all.
He added that a 60-year land lease clearly indicates commercial intent and questioned the rationale of a concession agreement if no development is planned.
In a formal communication to Tourism Department Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir, with a copy to Tourism Director Brenda Lee Pakyntein, the foundation demanded withdrawal of key approvals, including the handover certificate dated December 19, 2025, the concession agreement signed on February 25, 2026, and the lease document for Lumpongdeng Island.
The group said the hunger strike will continue until all agreements are revoked and the island is restored for public access.
Lyngdoh criticised the lack of response from most Khasi political leaders, alleging that political considerations may be preventing them from taking a stand.
He said that apart from the BJP, no party in the ruling NPP-led MDA 2.0 coalition has clearly stated its position, while the BJP has urged the government to reconsider the project and strengthen environmental safeguards.
Rejecting allegations of political motivation, Lyngdoh said the movement is driven solely by environmental and public interest concerns.
He alleged that the organisation has faced legal pressure, shifting official statements, personal attacks, and misinformation targeting its leadership.
Even with these challenges, he said the group would continue opposing what it views as the commercial exploitation of Lumpongdeng Island.
He called on authorities to actively involve citizens, take public concerns into account, and ensure democratic processes are followed before moving ahead with disputed decisions.
The foundation also said that in a democracy, it is ultimately the public that holds leaders accountable.