Guwahati, April 18 -- The Green-Tech Foundation Meghalaya has intensified its opposition to the proposed luxury tourism project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam, saying the 60-year lease of the environmentally sensitive island could lead to corporate exploitation.

The protest targets the proposed five-star resort and spa project, along with the reported transfer of around 66 acres of land, including 33 acres on Lumpongdeng Island, to a private company for a Taj-branded development.

At Malki Ground on Friday, where chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang's indefinite hunger strike entered its ninth day, secretary-general Ritre Lyngdoh said the protest is focused on concerns that the project could severely damage the island's fragile ecosystem.

Ly...