SHILLONG: The Green-Tech Foundation of Meghalaya has officially launched an indefinite sit-in protest to oppose the state government’s reported plan to sell or lease the ecologically significant Lum Pondeng hill to corporate entities.
Led by Chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, members of the foundation have occupied the site to voice their fierce opposition following what they describe as the government’s continued indifference to public concern.
Nonglang stated firmly that the group will not vacate the premises until they receive a formal written assurance from the government confirming the total withdrawal of the proposal to hand over the 36-acre forest area to private companies.
The protest marks a significant escalation in the standoff between environmental advocates and state authorities over the future of the Umiam Lake region.
Public anger has intensified following allegations of “deception” by the Tourism Department. While the government has officially denied any large-scale deforestation in the area, the Green-Tech Foundation claims that an on-site inspection revealed numerous mature trees have already been felled.
Nonglang cautioned the government against misleading the public under the guise of development and job creation, asserting that the community cannot accept the destruction of such a vital natural asset for the sake of luxury resort construction.
The Foundation is demanding an immediate halt to any plans to convert Lum Pondeng into a commercial resort hub. They maintain that the priority for the Umiam area should be the restoration and cleaning of the lake itself rather than industrial or high-end commercial expansion that threatens the local ecosystem.
Despite multiple petitions submitted to the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and high-ranking Tourism officials, the Foundation claims the government has remained silent or provided misleading information regarding the status of the hill.
The group has warned that their agitation will continue unabated until the state’s natural resources are secured from corporate encroachment, reflecting a growing movement to protect the environmental integrity of the Umiam basin.
