32. Will the Minister in- charge, Forest be pleased to state :-

(a) The area of land the Government has acquired for the State Zoo?

(a) 72.74 hectares more or less.

(b) Since when land for the State Zoo has been acquired?

(b) The site for the proposed State Zoo has been taken possession of by the Deputy Commissioner/Collector, Ri Bhoi District on 26th June, 2002 and handed over to Forest Department on 12th August, 2002.

(c) The status of the Meghalaya State Zoo?

(c) The conceptual master plan has been approved by the Central Zoo Authority. The detailed plan and estimate of the project are being prepared and finalised as per latest construction rates.

Commencement of work by the implementing Officer will depend on receipt of funds from the concerned authorities.

33. Will the Minister in- charge, Power be pleased to state the latest position of the Power Financial Corporatisation (P.F.C)?

Sir, the Power Finance Corporation submitted the draft Report on Corporatisation of Meghalaya State Electricity Board on 25th November, 2005. Discussions were held with the Empowered Committee and some clarifications were sought from Power Finance Corporation, which are awaited.

34. Will the Minister in-charge, Power be pleased to state the total power units purchased and the amount for the years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006?

Sir, the total units purchased and the amount for the years are as follows:-

Units (MU)

Amount (Rs)

2004 -05

757.96

150.01 crores

2005-06

871.67

178.13 crores

35. Will the Minister in- charge, Power be pleased to state:-

(a) The future plan of Me.S.E.B. to cater to the requirements of power in the State?

(a) Sir, the future plan is given as follows:-

1. Enhancement of generating capacity by construction of new hydro and thermal projects including mini hydel plants.

2. Improvement of inter-State and Intra State transmission network in order to facilitate drawal and utilization of adequate power from Central Sector generation as well as from other sources.

(b) The measures taken to avoid frequent load shedding in the State?

(b) (i) As a temporary measure, Meghalaya State Electricity Board normally makes agreement for purchase of additional power from other States effected through power traders during lean hydro season i.e w.e.f. November to May every year to meet the power shortfall to the extent possible.

36. Will the Minister in- charge, Urban Affairs be pleased to state is there any proposal from the Government to hold the Municipal Board Election in the State?

Sir, According to the provision of Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973, election of Ward Commissioners are required to be held every 4 (four) years.

37. Will the Minister in- charge, Mining & Geology be pleased to state the present status of Uranium Mining in the State?

The application on Uranium Mining by Uranium Corporation of India Limited, is under scrutiny of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills Nongstoin.

38. Will the Minister in- charge, Revenue be pleased to state whether the Government is aware that Lafarge Company had violated all the norms of the Land Transfer Act of 1971?

(a) No. Sir.