Shillong, April 10:
The Meghalaya Tourism Department on Friday clarified that the Consent to Establish (CTE) issued for the proposed Taj Hotels Umiam Resort & Spa is only provisional, and no construction activity can proceed without final approvals and strict adherence to the concession agreement.
In an official statement, the department said the CTE granted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board is subject to further scrutiny.
“Any construction activity related to the project shall be undertaken only after the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) is examined and approved by the Tourism Department, strictly in accordance with the terms of the concession agreement,” the statement read.
Addressing public concerns over the ecological impact of the proposed development near Umiam Lake, the department reiterated that no permanent construction will be permitted on Lumpongdeng Island.
It clarified that the five-star luxury resort will be developed on the site of the existing Orchid Lake Resort and not on the island.
“As per the Concession Agreement signed between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd for the development, operation and maintenance of the Orchid Lake Resort property into a five-star luxury resort under the brand ‘Taj Umiam Resort & Spa,’ no permanent construction shall be undertaken on Lumpongdeng Island,” the department stated.
The Tourism Department further informed that the decision to prohibit permanent structures on the island was taken earlier by the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM) in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on July 8, 2025, prior to the issuance of the tender.
Only “non-intrusive, seasonal or temporary structures” using lightweight, modular, and sustainable materials will be permitted on the island. These structures, the department said, will be designed to be easily dismantled or relocated, similar to arrangements seen at Ward’s Lake.
The conditions have been incorporated in the tender issued on October 23, 2025, and the concession agreement signed on February 25, 2026, between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd.
Additionally, the department noted that, under existing environmental regulations, construction may be allowed on the island outside a 50-metre buffer zone from the High Flood Level, in accordance with the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the Meghalaya Water Bodies (Conservation and Protection) Rules, 2023.
Reiterating its position, the department assured that all development activities will be carried out with due regard to environmental safeguards and regulatory compliance.
