Shillong, (Meghalaya), April 20: The state government has pulled Lumpongdeng Island out of the Taj Resort and Spa project at Umiam after pushback from Ri-Bhoi groups, redrawing the boundaries of the 5-star luxury resort deal signed two months ago.
Tourism Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir, in a letter Monday to Green Tech Foundation chairman H.B. Nonglang and Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi chairman B.B. Makdoh, said the 36-acre island is now excluded from the Concession Agreement executed on February 25 with Umiam Hotel Pvt Ltd. The pact will be amended to lock in the change.
The decision follows complaints sent on April 17 and April 20 by the two organisations opposing the island’s inclusion in the Design, Built, Finance, Operate & Transfer project under PPP mode. The Tourism Department confirmed the luxury resort will instead be limited to the 30-acre plot housing the existing Orchid Lake Resort.
Officials said the revision has the competent authority’s approval.
