Meghalaya Tourism Department Confirms No Permanent Structures on Lumpondeng Island
Clarification on Lumpondeng Island Development
File image of Lumpondeng Island in Meghalaya (Photo: HV Kumar/Meta)
Shillong, April 11: The Meghalaya Tourism department has announced that there will be no permanent constructions on Lumpondeng Island.
In a statement released on Friday, the department clarified that an agreement had been established between the Directorate of Tourism and Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd, which is a special purpose vehicle.
This agreement entails the development, operation, and maintenance of the “Orchid Lake Resort” by Umiam Hotels Pvt Ltd, which will be transformed into a 5-star luxury resort branded as Taj Umiam Resort and Spa.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that “no permanent construction shall be undertaken on Lumpondeng Island.” The resort will be built on the existing site of the Orchid Lake Resort.
On the island, only “non-intrusive, seasonal or temporary structures” will be allowed, designed with lightweight, modular, and sustainable materials that can be easily disassembled or relocated, akin to the initiatives at Ward’s Lake.
This decision to avoid permanent structures was made during a meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers in July 2025, led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
Chief Minister Sangma reiterated this clarification, assuring that there would be no adverse effects on the island's flora and fauna.
The government’s statement follows concerns raised by the NGO Green-Tech Foundation regarding potential permanent constructions on the island, which they argue could disrupt its delicate ecosystem.