Shillong, April 23: In a major move towards forest conservation, the state government has granted protected status to a community forest in East Garo Hills district.
The Bijasik Matwa A’pal Community Reserve located in Songsak block has been notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Forest & Environment Department, in its notification on April 22 been, designated protected status to the forest under provisions of Section 36C of the Act with immediate effect.
The forest reserve, spread across over 20-hectare area, is expected to enhance biodiversity protection while empowering local communities to play a central role in forest management.
A Community Reserve Management Committee, constituted as part of the process, will oversee conservation efforts and ensure sustainable use of forest resources.
Chaired by local representative Charon C Marak along with other community members the committee will also have the Divisional Forest Officer as its Member Secretary.
The Chairman will also function as the Honorary Wildlife Warden of the reserve, underscoring the emphasis on grassroots stewardship.
The notification outlines the reserve’s precise geographic boundaries using multiple reference points in the north, south, east, and west directions, indicating a clearly demarcated conservation zone.
Officials say the move aligns with Meghalaya’s broader push toward community-based conservation models, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Garo Hills, which are rich in biodiversity but face increasing anthropogenic pressures.
