Shillong, April 20: Ri Bhoi traditional chiefs on Monday extended full support to the State government’s proposal to construct a 7-star hotel on the existing Orchid land at Umiam, with the government assuring that tourism projects on Lumpongdeng Island would be kept in abeyance.
The decision was taken after a delegation of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi district held a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home and PWD (Roads & Buildings) Prestone Tynsong.
Speaking to media persons, general secretary of the Synjuk Pynwanbor Sylliang said, “We expressed our gratitude to the MDA government for bringing this project to the district. We make it clear that we fully support the construction of the 7-star hotel Taj resort and spa on the 30 acres of Orchid land at Umiam. However, we request the government to suspend the tourism projects on Lumpongdeng Island till we decide otherwise.”
He added, “Tynsong has clarified that the construction of the hotel will take place in the existing Orchid land. As of now, the Orchid has been functioning for the past many years and there will come a time that it will collapse. Before this happens, the state government has brought in this project for construction of the 7-star hotel at the existing Orchid land at Umiam.”
On Lumpongdeng Island, Sylliang said the Synjuk had sought a pause.
“In regards to the Lumpongdeng Island, as we have seen the environmental activists are protesting against this. We have suggested the state government keep the tourism project at Lumpongdeng Island in abeyance, to which Tynsong has assured to suspend the project at Lumpongdeng Island. However, the construction of the 7-star hotel at Orchid land will soon commence,” he said.
Sylliang noted that five Dorbar villages under Umiam supported the project. “We understand that the project will benefit the stakeholders from five dorbar villages under the Umiam area. We have also met the five dorbar villages and discussed the project and they have expressed that they do not want the government to divert this project from Umiam after seeing so many leaders who are offering their land for the project,” he said.
He pointed to recent offers to shift the project. “We have seen yesterday Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has made an offer to the government to divert the project to Wahiajer. Therefore, the projects meant for Ri Bhoi district should be in Ri Bhoi as it is not only Umiam that has land but we have other lands in different locations for construction of such projects,” Sylliang stated.
“Therefore, the Synjuk doesn’t want this tourism project to slip away from Ri Bhoi district,” he added.
On connectivity, he said the hotel would complement Umroi airport.
“With the coming of this 7-star at Umiam will further be an advantage for tourists since we are having an airport in Umroi. The tourists coming from Umroi airport, which government has already earmarked funds to expand the runway for bigger flights to land, will find it easier to stay at the 7-star hotel at Umiam,” Sylliang said.
He also cited benefits for farmers. “Further, Tynsong has clarified that the agreement signed between the government and the Taj group also seeks to promote agricultural products of the region. As we know 90 percent of the population in Ri Bhoi district are dependent on agriculture as a livelihood and the coming of such hotels will really benefit the interest of the farmers,” he said.
