SHILLONG:
In an exclusive with The Meghalayan, Forest and Environment minister James Sangma said that Lady Hydari Park will be renamed to Ka Phan Nonglait Park in honour of the freedom fighter from Rymmai village, who fought the British during the period of U Tirot Sing.
Sangma said a new sign board would be officially put up soon to reflect the changes.
“There are so many unknown freedom fighters in our state who fought for our land and the least we can do is honour and acknowledge their sacrifices,” Sangma said.
“In the context of a matrilineal society like ours, Ka Phan Nonglait represents the grit and strength of our women who put up a stiff resistance against the Britishers to defend our people,” he added.
Sangma also took cognisance of the need to bring in changes to the park, including finding new spaces for animals and birds of the existing mini zoo.
“The conditions for animals and birds in the park need to improve. They are caged up in tight spaces. They need to have adequate space and we have decided to move them to the state zoo as soon as it is made operational,” Sangma said, adding that the department expects to complete the zoo by the end of the year.
The state zoo was conceptualised in 2001 with the aim to provide adequate open spaces for wild animals and birds. The project was inaugurated in 2019 and once completed, will be spread over an area of 72 hectares.