Seven villages around the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya have unanimously opposed a Rs 23.60-crore eco-tourism project, citing lack of consultation and threats to the fragile ecosystem.
Under the eco-tourism project, awarded to Delhi-based firm E-Factor Experiences Ltd, premium eco-tourism infrastructure such as chalet-style resorts, canopy walkways, and water sports zones, will be developed by drawing inspiration from Japan’s forest therapy model.
Amid protests by locals and environmental groups, the government assured that the project will not cause any environmental damage to the nature reserve. Officials stated that the entire process was initiated around three years ago with due diligence and now, in its pre-commencement stage, wherein forest and environment clearances will be obtained.
However, seven villages, including Umsohma, represented by Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (Raid Sohkhwai), a collective of village headmen, argue that they were not consulted and no public hearing has been held. The headmen criticised the Wildlife Department for excluding local communities from the project's decision-making process. Communities demanded an immediate cancellation of the project to protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity and ecological balance. They emphasised preserving the sanctuary’s pristine environment over commercial tourism development.
Leaders from villages like Umsohma and Umladoh have voiced strong objections, emphasising that the sanctuary has been meticulously preserved by local residents for generations. They cautioned that the introduction of tourism infrastructure would result in pollution and long-term environmental harm. Furthermore, they questioned the rationale behind allowing a tourist project when local residents are prohibited from entering the sanctuary.
“It’s a slap in the face,” remarked one headman from Umladoh. “We’ve been tending to this land like it’s our own child. Now, suddenly, someone decides to roll in the diggers and build God knows what, without so much as a knock at the door. It’s simply not on.”
Villages like Umsohma echoed these sentiments, warning that once the sanctuary’s peace is disturbed, no amount of money or mitigation will restore it.
The Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 29 square kilometers, is a critical biodiversity hotspot in Ri Bhoi, recognised as one of Northeast India’s best-managed protected areas. It supports over 50 mammal species, 25 reptile species, and numerous birds, including endangered species like the clouded leopard and hoolock gibbon. Local communities rely on the sanctuary for resources and cultural practices, making it integral to their identity and sustenance.
Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
Demand to cancel the project
Opposition against environmental degradation
Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
1. Sustainable development models that prioritise local livelihoods and conservation 2. Stakeholders seek clarity on project planning, timelines, and compliance with environmental regulations
Region Classification
Rural
Type of Land
Common
Forest
What was the action taken by the police?
How many people did the police detain or arrest?
What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?
Did the person face any violence while in police custody?
If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?
If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?
Legislation under which the accused was charged
Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?
In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?
Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?
Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)
Status of Project
Original Project Deadline
Whether the Project has been Delayed
Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users
Religious/Sacred/Cultural value, Other environmental services, Other Natural Resource extraction/dependence
Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict
Source/Reference
Total investment involved (in Crores):
₹
23.6
Type of investment:
Investment Expected
Year of Estimation
2025
Has the Conflict Ended?
No
When did it end?
Why did the conflict end?
Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict
Legislations/Policies Involved
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute
What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?
What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?
Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:
Non-consultation with stakeholders
Violation of environmental laws
Controversial land acquisition by the government
Legal Status:
Out of Court
Status of Case In Court
Whether any adjudicatory body was approached
No
Name of the adjudicatory body
Name(s) of the Court(s)
Case Number
Main Reasoning/Decision of court
Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:
Whether criminal law was used against protestors:
Reported Details of the Violation:
Date of Violation
Location of Violation
Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:
Forest and Environment Departments of Meghalaya, Tourism Department of Meghalaya
PSUs Involved in the Conflict:
Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL)
Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?
Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached
Samit Garg, Managing Director, E-Factor Experiences Ltd. (no direct comment reported)
Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:
E-Factor Experiences Ltd
Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?
Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:
Communities of Seven villages, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (Raid Sohkhwai)
What was the action taken by the police?
How many people did the police detain or arrest?
What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?
Did the person face any violence while in police custody?
If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?
If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?
Legislation under which the accused was charged
Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?
In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?
Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?
Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?
