Shillong (Meghalaya), April 15: Tourism Director Smt. B.L. Pakyntein on Wednesday affirmed that no permanent construction would occur at Lumpongdeng and renewed an offer of dialogue with the Green Tech Foundation, even as a hunger strike and a contested FIR keep the dispute suspended between goodwill and procedure.
The department first slated a 2:00 PM meeting after the duty Magistrate said GTF wished to meet, then moved it to 5:00 PM when the Foundation asked for written communication. That notice returned with a precondition that the FIR against GTF members be withdrawn, a matter Pakyntein said rests solely with the District Administration and legal process, not with Tourism.
Repeating assurances already given by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Commissioner and Secretary, she stressed the project agreement bars permanent structures at the site and appealed to GTF to end its protest and return to talks. She noted the Foundation’s earlier petition to the tourism minister had flagged environmental norms and proposed works at Lumpongdeng, with copies to the Chief Secretary, Forest Department, and the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi. A review sent the issue to the Deputy Commissioner for a joint meeting with the Dorbar Shnong and GTF, which the Foundation did not attend.
A later sitting with village representatives and Rangbah Shnong centered on livelihood, employment, and conservation, with assurances that the concerns would reach the department. Pakyntein said subsequent talks with local stakeholders showed convergence on sustainable development, job creation, and ecological protection. The Dorbar Shnong will submit written conditions focused on employment, livelihood support, and preservation of nature, which the department is ready to formalize. Ideas such as herbal and organic plantations were welcomed for their environmental and tourism value.
While keeping the door open for dialogue, the Director voiced concern for the health of GTF’s chairman amid the ongoing hunger strike and urged the Foundation to choose negotiation over standoff for a resolution that respects both law and landscape
