Shillong, April 23: The Meghalaya government has officially designated the Bijasik Matwa A-pal Community Forest in Songsak Block of East Garo Hills district as a protected Community Reserve under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
 |
| Bijasik Matwa A-pal Community Forest in Songsak Block of East Garo Hills |
The reserve has been notified under Section 36C of the Act and will now be known as the “Bijasik Matwa A-pal Community Reserve.” The move aims to strengthen conservation efforts while promoting community participation in protecting the region’s biodiversity.
To manage the reserve, the government has constituted a Management Committee under Section 36D of the Act. The committee will oversee conservation initiatives and administrative responsibilities of the protected area.
The committee will be headed by Chairman Charon C. Marak and President Taibath D. Sangma, with Naban N. Marak, Chongram M. Marak, Jendellin M. Sangma, and Samuel N. Marak serving as members.
ALSO READ: Over 23,000 Meghalaya Teachers to Receive Salaries Under New Pay Structure from May
The Divisional Forest Officer of the East and West Garo Hills Wildlife Division, or a nominee not below the rank of Forester-I, will function as the Member Secretary of the committee.
In addition, the Chairman of the Community Reserve has been appointed as the Honorary Wildlife Warden to strengthen local enforcement and community stewardship of the protected area.
Officials said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding forest ecosystems while empowering local communities to play a key role in conservation.
