Shillong (Meghalaya), April 22: The Voice of the People Party took its fight against the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa to the streets, holding a public rally here that accused the NPP-led government of pushing luxury tourism that risks turning Meghalaya into a “sex tourism” hub.
Addressing supporters, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit questioned the intent behind promoting spa-based tourism at Umiam Lake, warning that such models “could ultimately transform Shillong into a sex city”. “Do our indigenous communities even understand what a spa entails?” he asked, cautioning that employing local youth, particularly women, in such sectors could gradually encourage immoral activities.
The rally comes amid growing protests over the state’s plan to develop Umiam as a world-class tourist destination, including a 5-star resort on leased land around the lake. The cabinet has cleared leasing 273.41 acres of unutilized MeECL land to the tourism department for 60 years, extendible by 30, for projects including Lake Cruise services and 3- to 5-star hotels. The Centre has sanctioned ₹99.27 crore to develop Umiam Lake as an iconic eco-tourism hub under the SASCI scheme, with projections of hosting 1.27 lakh tourists annually post-development.
Basaiawmoit argued that Meghalaya, being naturally endowed, does not need large-scale commercial projects and instead urged community-based tourism. “Let visitors experience our culture and stay within our communities, rather than in large external establishments,” he said. The VPP has also opposed transferring over 300 acres of forest department land for Umiam beautification, citing deforestation, ecosystem disruption, and impact on local communities.
Party leaders further hinted at “behind-the-scenes” deals in the resort project, pointing to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s strong defence of it. JHADC opposition leader Awhai Andrew Shullai said records suggest an outside construction company involved in several major state projects is linked to the Umiam venture and demanded a thorough environmental impact assessment and public consultation.
The issue has already sparked an indefinite hunger strike by Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang at Malki Ground since April 9, demanding that Lumpongdeng Island be exempted from the project. Nonglang said the island’s development would require heavy machinery that could destroy it.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday tied the VPP rally to early campaigning for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election and said the government had already resolved the Lumpongdeng Island issue after listening to Ri Bhoi village leaders.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira has maintained that Umiam, created in 1960, is an iconic landmark and said the government’s aim is responsible tourism, citing the recent Aquatic Waste Sculpture at Lake Viewpoint made from waste collected from the lake.
The VPP rally ended with calls to scrap the resort plan and prioritise homestays and eco-friendly models that benefit locals.
