No environment destruction, island to be beautified further: Tynsong
The question of withdrawing any project in Lumpongdeng does not arise because there is no project in Lumpongdeng. – BL Pakyntein, Director, Tourism department
Shillong, April 15: Even as the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) has remained firm on its hunger strike over the proposed five-star Taj Resort and Spa at Umiam, the state government has maintained that the government door for talks is open even though it had already clarified its stance on the issue.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday assured that the government is open to talks with GTF, which has been on a hunger strike against the proposed tourism project at Umiam lake and Lumpongdeng island.
“The door of the government is always open. We have clarified our stance, and we are willing to provide further clarification if needed,” Tynsong said.
Asked if the government would send a messenger to invite the protesters for talks, he said, “No, not necessarily. The door of the government is always open for further clarification and discussion.”
The deputy chief minister has assured that the government is committed to protecting the environment while promoting tourism in Meghalaya.
On the other hand, the GTF has been demanding for scrapping of the project for construction of the five-star Taj resort and spa citing environmental concerns.
The Foundation alleges that the project would lead to the destruction of the island’s ecosystem and benefit only a select few.
Tynsong, however, clarified that the government has no intention of allowing any permanent structures on Lumpongdeng Island.
“We have assured that there will be no environment destruction, instead, we will further beautify the Island,” he said.
“Similar initiatives taken for beautifying Ward’s Lake will be replicated at Lumpongdeng Island. We will plant more trees to further enhance its scenic beauty so that it will become one of the most favorite destinations for tourists,” he said.
Tynsong emphasised that the project is aimed at promoting tourism in the state and creating employment opportunities for local youth.
“75% of employees in Marriott Courtyard and Vivanta are local youth, who have completed their studies in the hospitality sector,” he pointed out.
“Many of our youth are going out of the state to pursue their studies in the hospitality sector including hotel management. Therefore, we want to create employment opportunities within the state,” he said.
Asked if the protest is politically motivated, Tynsong said, “Let the people judge that, I have nothing to say whether it is political or it is social… my duty is only to clarify. That is why I am here to submit the detailed clarification from the government side.”
Govt appeal to GTF to end hunger strike
Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to the GTF to withdraw its hunger strike while reaffirming that it shares the Foundation’s aim of preserving Lumpongdeng’s natural environment.
“We appeal to withdraw the protest because we feel that their mandate and what they want is also what we want, that is preservation, upliftment, and to keep the nature there intact for people to enjoy,” said Director of Tourism, BL Pakyntein, after holding a meeting with GTF leaders, who are on an indefinite hunger strike demanding scrapping of the tourism project.
Reiterating that the government has no intention of building permanent structures on the island, she said, “So, what they want is also what we want – no permanent structure… and to give prominent attention to the nature in Lumpongdeng.”
However, she said the government is open to further talks on the issue.
“…we are open to any (further) dialogue, discussion, or consultation with them,” she said..
Appealing to the GTF to end its hunger strike on humanitarian grounds, Pakyntein said, “… we have requested them to withdraw the hunger strike, because it involves human life… All other things we can continue to talk about.”
On GTF’s demand to scrap projects on the island, Pakyntein clarified that no such project exists.
“The question of withdrawing any project in Lumpongdeng does not arise because there is no project in Lumpongdeng,” she said.
She added that any tourism activity would be limited and subject to review.
“It is an experiential type of tourism in Lumpongdeng which will be reviewed case by case, so if there are any concerns, we will review,” she said.
“But as of now there is no project in Lumpongdeng. Lumpongdeng remains untouched in terms of construction, so what is there to withdraw?” she asserted.
Permanent tourism structures only at Orchid: UDP leader
UDP legislator from Mawsynram Olan Sing Suin on Wednesday said development and environmental protection must go hand in hand, referring to concerns over tourism activity at Lumpongdeng.
Noting that progress often comes with environmental costs, he said, “Balance is the key.”
“We should see there is no negative impact on the ecosystem because I have seen the government has many approaches for maintaining environmental balance and ecological balance in many aspects,” Suin stated.
Highlighting the government’s restrictions on construction at Lumpongdeng, he said, “The chief minister has clearly stated that all permanent structures should take place only at Orchid area, not in Lumpongdeng area,” he said.
