The Centre has upheld a Meghalaya Government proposal for setting up of a full-fledged zoo in the State. The Centre will bear the entire capital expenses, but the cost of land.

Informing this to newsmen in Shillong recently, Union Environment and Forest Minister P. Prabhu said he was looking for the country's largest zoo located in Meghalaya. He explained that the emphasis would be on creating natural habitat for animals, and Meghalaya forest cover could easily make one.

The Union Minister also informed that he had approved the State Government's another proposal to create a botanical garden in the State. He further informed that sanctions for these projects would be made available by September next, provided the State Government allot the required land.

On his part, Chief Minister B. B. Lyngdoh assured the Union Minister that the land would be made available soon.