Shillong, May 5: The Meghalaya Cabinet, in a meeting held today, approved a series of significant decisions ranging from conservation initiatives to infrastructure development and administrative reforms.
Chocolate Mahseer Declared State Fish : In a landmark move, the Cabinet approved the declaration of the Chocolate Mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis), locally known as Khasaw in Khasi and Na-rang in Garo, as the official State Fish of Meghalaya. The decision aims to promote conservation of the indigenous species, as the state previously did not have a designated state fish.
Revised Cost for New Shillong Water Supply Scheme : The Cabinet also approved a revised estimate for the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme (Phase I), increasing the project cost from ₹553 crore to ₹770 crore. The hike is attributed to the relocation of the dam site upstream due to the development of a scientific landfill at Nonghali, along with additional provisions for dedicated power lines and land acquisition.
Amendment to Building Bye Laws to Boost Development : To encourage urban growth and investment, amendments were approved to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021, under the Special Projects Category. The revised norms reduce the minimum plot size requirement from 50,000 sq. ft. to 37,500 sq. ft., and the built-up area from 20,000 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft. The move is expected to enable more landowners to undertake large-scale projects, promote multi-storey construction, and generate employment.
Land Banks Approved in Garo Hills : The Cabinet cleared proposals to create land banks in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts to support future infrastructure projects. In East Garo Hills, 93.59 acres will be acquired at a cost of ₹7 crore, while in North Garo Hills, 26 acres will be procured for ₹3.9 crore near the Songsak–Mendipathar Road.
Revised Norms for Sports Infrastructure Cost Escalation : A new policy was approved requiring any cost escalation exceeding 25% in sports infrastructure projects to be brought before the Cabinet. The Indoor Stadium at Jongksha witnessed a cost revision from ₹22.75 crore to ₹35.40 crore due to relocation and expanded scope ahead of the upcoming National Games.
Regularisation of Adhoc Employees : The Cabinet approved the regularisation of 98 adhoc employees appointed before December 31, 2007, under the third batch.
Excise Duty Revised on Imported Alcohol : An amendment to Rule 375 of the Assam Excise Rules, as adapted by Meghalaya, was approved. The import pass fee on Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) has been increased from ₹25 to ₹30 per bulk litre.
Forest Transit Rules Amended : Amendments were also approved under Sections 40 and 41 of the Meghalaya Forest Regulation, 1973, concerning transit rules.
Service Rules and Extensions Approved :The Cabinet adopted service rules for officials of the Meghalaya Drugs Testing Laboratory. It also approved extensions of service for several senior officials, including:
- Ram Mohan Mishra, IAS (Retd), Executive Chairman of the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion Board
- Hector Marwein, IAS (Retd), Chairman of the Meghalaya Sustainable Development Council
- Kynphambor Wahlang, Superintendent Engineer, Directorate of Urban Affairs
