Meghalaya names Chocolate Mahseer state fish, clears Rs 770 Cr water project

 

Meghalaya names Chocolate Mahseer state fish, clears Rs 770 Cr water project 

The Meghalaya cabinet has approved the declaration of the chocolate mahseer as the state fish, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said. It also cleared a series of proposals, including a revised Rs 770-crore water supply project for the New Shillong Township.

Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, locally known as 'Khasaw' in Khasi and 'Na-rang' in Garo 

The cabinet decided to designate the chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis), locally known as 'Khasaw' in Khasi and 'Na-rang' in Garo, as the state fish, with a focus on conserving and promoting the indigenous species found in the state's rivers.  

Sangma said Meghalaya did not have an officially designated state fish so far and the decision was taken keeping in mind the ecological importance of the species and the need for its conservation. 

He said the move would help protect and promote the indigenous fish while also creating awareness about preserving aquatic biodiversity in the state. 

The cabinet also approved the revised estimate of the New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme (phase 1), increasing the project cost from Rs 553 crore to Rs 770 crore. 

The chief minister said the revision was necessitated due to the relocation of the proposed dam site further upstream following the development of a scientific landfill at Nonghali, along with additional provisions for dedicated electrical lines and land acquisition to ensure long-term sustainability.  

In another key decision, the cabinet approved amendments to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021, under the special projects category to promote planned large-scale development and make eligibility norms more inclusive. 

Sangma said the earlier criteria were restrictive and the reduction in minimum plot size and built-up area would enable more landowners to participate, boost investment, generate employment, and ensure better utilisation of urban land. 

The minimum plot size requirement has been reduced from 50,000 sq ft to 37,500 sq ft, while the built-up area requirement has been lowered from 20,000 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft. 

The cabinet further approved proposals for the creation of land banks in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts to support future infrastructure projects and planned development initiatives. 

Sangma said 93.59 acres of land would be acquired in East Garo Hills at a cost of Rs 7 crore, while 26 acres would be procured in North Garo Hills at Rs 3.9 crore to facilitate planned development.

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