Why in News?
On April 21, 2026, the Meghalaya government officially decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from a proposed ₹330-crore Taj Luxury Resort and Spa project.
Origin and History
- Man-Made Reservoir: Created in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River.
- First Hydel Project: It was part of the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project, the first reservoir-based hydroelectric project in Northeast India.
- Nickname: Popularly known as Barapani (Big Water) by locals.
- Legend: The name "Umiam" translates to "Water of Tears", originating from a Khasi legend about a sister whose tears formed the lake after losing her sibling.
Geography and Ecology
- Location: Situated approximately 15 km north of Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Catchment Area: Spans over 220 sq. km, including the city of Shillong and its adjoining hills.
- Pollution Challenges: The lake faces severe siltation and pollution as the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers carry urban waste from Shillong into its waters.
- Flora: Surrounded by lush coniferous forests and Gulmohar trees that bloom in the summer.
Tourism and Economy
- Water Sports Hub: A major destination for kayaking, water cycling, scooting, and boating.
- Lumpongdeng Island: A prominent island within the lake, now designated for eco-friendly experiential tourism (tents/temporary setups) only.
- Power Generation: Continues to be a vital source of electricity for Meghalaya through multiple powerhouses downstream.
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