SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on Thursday, issued a detailed clarification addressing public concerns surrounding the proposed Lumpongdeng Island Resort Project, asserting that no permanent construction will be allowed on the island.
Responding to growing apprehensions over the environmental impact of the project, the Chief Minister stated that the agreement signed between the government and the Tourism Department explicitly prohibits any form of permanent infrastructure on Lumpongdeng Island.
“There have been concerns that the entire island would be turned into a concrete structure. This is completely incorrect,” Sangma clarified, adding that strict safeguards have been incorporated to preserve the island’s ecological integrity.
He explained that only temporary arrangements—such as shamianas, pandals, and stalls—will be permitted for short durations during specific programmes. These structures, he said, will be dismantled within a week to ten days, ensuring no lasting impact on the island’s natural landscape, flora, or fauna.
The Chief Minister also addressed claims regarding permissions granted under environmental regulations. He noted that while certain clearances may be permissible under forest department norms, the state government has taken a firm policy decision to disallow any permanent construction on the island, irrespective of such provisions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, Sangma emphasized that the project aims to strike a balance between leveraging Meghalaya’s natural assets and preserving its fragile ecosystems.
He further urged the public not to be misled by misinformation, expressing hope that the clarification would allay fears and reinforce confidence in the government’s environmental safeguards.
