Meghalaya Designates Chocolate Mahseer as State Fish, Approves Major Development Projects

The Meghalaya cabinet approved the chocolate mahseer as the state fish, aiming to conserve it. Additionally, a revised water supply project and changes to building bye laws were approved to boost development. Land banks will be set up to support future projects and sports infrastructure costs revised for the National Games.

The chocolate mahseer has been declared the state fish by the Meghalaya cabinet, as part of efforts to protect and conserve the species native to the region's rivers, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced. The fish, known locally as 'Khasaw' in Khasi and 'Na-rang' in Garo, holds ecological significance, prompting the state to take this step.

In another major decision, the cabinet approved a revised estimate for the New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme, raising the project cost to Rs 770 crore from Rs 553 crore. The revision is due to upstream relocation of the dam site and includes provisions for dedicated electrical lines and land acquisition, ensuring the project's sustainability.

Additionally, amendments to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021, have been sanctioned to aid in urban development by making eligibility norms more inclusive. This involves reducing the minimum plot size and built-up area requirements, which is expected to boost investment and optimise urban land use. Further measures include creating land banks in East and North Garo Hills to facilitate infrastructure projects and adjusting sports infrastructure costs in light of the National Games.