Shillong, Mar 3: The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) is going to take back part of an island in Umiam lake, which has been on lease since 1997, even as power minister AT Mondal said the matter was amicably resolved with the lessee, Maitshaphrang Tourism Promotion Group (MTPG).
MTPG has been operating the tourism property on a one-acre plot at Lumpongdeng island that covers 1,64,797 sqm or 40.72 acres of land owned by the MeECL.
“The matter was discussed again at length with the lessee and has been now resolved amicably,” Mondal informed while replying to a zero hour notice moved by VPP North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum.
Nongrum asked about the government stand on MTPG’s decision to stage a protest in front of the secretariat on the issue.
Initially, the 1-acre plot was leased to MTPG for a period of 10 years with effect from 1997 at an annual lease rent of ₹10,000 per annum with an enhancement at a rate of 5% every year.
The lease, expired on February 6, 2007, was further extended on the request of the lessee since the land in question was yet to be utilized by the lessor.
The minister, however, said the land in question is now needed by the government (MeECL) for the purpose of various development activities.
Accordingly, MTPG chairman was informed vide letter dated November 11, 2024 that extension of land lease will no longer be extended after the lease period is expired which has already expired on December 31, 2024.
