Meghalaya govt rules out permanent structures on Lumpondeng Island amid eco concerns
This decision of having no permanent structure on the island was made in July 2025 in the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers chaired by CM Sangma
File image of Lumpondeng Island in Meghalaya (Photo: HV Kumar/Meta)
Shillong, April 11: The Meghalaya Tourism department informed that there would be “no permanent construction undertaken on Lumpondeng Island”.
Issuing a clarification on Friday, the department said that an agreement was signed between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd (a special purpose vehicle.)
Under the agreement, the “Orchid Lake Resort would be developed, operated and maintained by Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd into a 5-star luxury resort under the brand of Taj Umiam Resort and Spa”.
Moreover, “no permanent construction shall be undertaken on Lumpondeng Island. The resort will be constructed on the land where the Orchid Lake Resort exists”, it said.
On the island, there would be “non-intrusive, seasonal or temporary structures designed using lightweight, modular and sustainable materials which can be disassembled or relocated as needed, similar to the activities taken up at Ward’s Lake”.
This decision of having no permanent structure on the island was made in July 2025 in the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
Sangma also issued a similar clarification about having no permanent structure on the Island. “There would be no impact on the flora and fauna on the Island,” Sangma assured.
The government issued the clarification after NGO Green-Tech Foundation raised concerns over permanent construction on the island, arguing that it would disturb its fragile environment.