Shillong, April 16: The Meghalaya Tourism Department has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) amid escalating tensions over a proposed tourism project in Lumpongdeng, even as the organisation insists on the withdrawal of an FIR against its members as a precondition for talks.
A scheduled meeting on April 15 failed to take place after GTF returned a formal notice issued by the department, maintaining that discussions could only proceed if the police complaint—filed by district authorities—was withdrawn. The Tourism Director clarified that the department has no jurisdiction over the FIR, which remains subject to legal proceedings.
The dispute stems from a petition submitted by GTF to the state tourism minister, raising concerns that permanent construction under the project could violate environmental norms and the terms of the agreement. However, senior officials, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, have stated that no such permanent structures are planned.
In an effort to break the impasse, the department referred the matter to the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to facilitate a joint meeting involving GTF and local village bodies, including the Dorbar Shnong. While GTF did not attend the meeting, discussions were held separately with village representatives, focusing on livelihood opportunities, employment prospects, and environmental safeguards.
Local leaders expressed support for the department’s emphasis on sustainable development and proposed measures such as herbal tree plantations to strengthen both ecological balance and tourism potential. The Dorbar Shnong is expected to submit a set of written conditions, particularly concerning job creation and conservation, which officials indicated are broadly aligned with the department’s vision.
Meanwhile, the situation has been further complicated by an ongoing hunger strike by GTF members, including its chairman, whose health condition is reportedly deteriorating. The Tourism Director has appealed to the group to call off the protest and participate in constructive discussions to resolve the issue.
