Shillong, March 31: The tourism department has justified construction of Taj Umiam Resort & Spa despite opposition from many quarters.
The Green-Tech Foundation and Meghalaya Mahila Congress had opposed the project citing environmental concerns.
The Foundation had also initiated a signature campaign (in picture).
Full text of clarification below
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA
The Department of Tourism hereby places on record that certain unfounded reports circulating on social media regarding the proposed development of the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa are factually incorrect. The concerns suggesting that the project is environmentally unsustainable or would adversely impact the ecology of Umiam Lake and particularly Lumpondeng Island are misinformed and misleading.
The project is being developed over a total area of 66 acres, comprising 36.10 acres of Lumpondeng Island and 29.64 acres of the existing Orchid Lake Resort. This development follows a carefully considered planning process specifically aimed at promoting high-value, low-impact tourism while ensuring absolute ecological protection.
Umiam Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the duly constituted Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this project, has obtained the requisite Consent to Establish (CTE). The SPV has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for the operation and maintenance of the property under the brand of “Taj Umiam Resort & Spa”.
All construction and operational activities shall be undertaken, strictly in accordance with IHCL’s Taj brand specifications, which mandate rigorous compliance with design, safety, quality and sustainability standards.
IHCL has demonstrated a sustained commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism across its portfolio of properties in environmentally, culturally, and historically significant locations, as well as major urban centres.
In 2008, IHCL joined the globally recognised EarthCheck Certified Program, reaffirming its commitment to responsible operations and environmental stewardship. By 2020, 78 IHCL hotels were actively engaged in structured sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency, environmental conservation, and community outreach.
A notable example is the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg, developed within a 180-acre rainforest with minimal land utilisation and no tree felling, and recognised as a benchmark for sustainable resort development. This established sustainability framework will guide the execution of the project at Umiam.
The Taj Umiam Resort and Spa project shall fully comply with the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, the Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, and all applicable norms and conditions stipulated by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other competent statutory authorities.
The fragility of the local micro-ecosystem, including any potential impacts on avian and aquatic life, shall be accorded the highest priority through rigorous measures for biodiversity conservation, pollution control, waste minimisation, and long-term ecological monitoring, thereby ensuring that the development remains environmentally responsible and legally compliant.
Sd/-
Commissioner & Secretary
Department of Tourism Government of Meghalaya
