SHILLONG :  The Centre has approved the import of fish from Bangladesh through the Dawki Land Port, a move expected to significantly reduce prices and improve freshness in markets across Meghalaya and Assam.

Officials said the decision could reshape the Northeast’s marine and freshwater fish supply chain by cutting transportation time and costs, particularly for major consumption hubs such as Shillong and Guwahati.

“We have received permission to import fishes through our land customs station. All necessary paperwork has been completed. We are now awaiting importers from India to take advantage of this landmark decision,” said T.C. Chacko, Regional Coordinator (Dawki), Land Port Authority of India.

According to officials, all types of fish are now permitted for import through Dawki, except live fish and hilsa. Bangladesh has restricted the export of hilsa to meet domestic demand, allowing shipments to India only during special occasions such as Durga Puja and select festivals.

Chacko said exporters in Bangladesh have responded positively to the development and are keen to begin shipments once Indian importers come forward.

At present, a substantial portion of fish consumed in the Northeast is transported from Andhra Pradesh, with some supplies entering through the Agartala land customs station. Transport from Andhra Pradesh takes two to three days to reach Shillong and Guwahati markets, while consignments routed through Agartala take nearly a day.

By contrast, Dawki is located about 84 km from Shillong, with fish expected to reach the state capital within three hours of crossing the border. Guwahati can be reached in an additional two to three hours.

“This means that fish prices will come down significantly due to lower transportation costs,” Chacko said, adding that reduced travel time would also ensure relatively fresher stock in retail markets.

Concerns have been raised in the past over fish in Northeast markets being treated with formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical used for preservation during long-distance transport.

“The fishes from Bangladesh will undergo regular checks when they are imported,” Chacko said, assuring that safety protocols would be enforced at the entry point.

Officials expressed hope that importers from Assam and Meghalaya would soon capitalise on the clearance, ensuring that consumers across the Northeast benefit from improved supply and competitive pricing.

The decision marks a key development in cross-border trade facilitation and is expected to have a direct impact on household food budgets in the region.