Shillong: The Meghalaya Forest Authority Act Amendment has been approved by the Meghalaya Cabinet to improve forest governance, coordination, and conservation efforts across the state.
The decision aims to strengthen cooperation between the State Forest Department and the Autonomous District Councils while allowing the Meghalaya Forest Authority to use government funds for its operations.
The move is expected to improve monitoring, management, and protection of forests in Meghalaya.
Details of Forest Authority Act Amendment Act 1991
According to official information shared after the Cabinet meeting, the amendment to the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act, 1991 will:
- Allow the Meghalaya Forest Authority to utilize government funds.
- Improve coordination between the Forest Department and Autonomous District Councils.
- Strengthen forest monitoring and conservation activities.
- Support regular meetings, programmes, and administrative functions of the authority.
- Enhance collaboration among institutions involved in forest governance.
Read also: Meghalaya Government Launches ‘My City’ Beautification Drive to Clean, Secure and Transform Cities
What is the Reason of Forest Authority Act Amendment Act 1991
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated that the Act has existed since 1991 but could not be fully implemented because the authority lacked financial powers for routine operations.
Officials noted that even basic activities such as conducting meetings and coordination programmes faced legal and administrative limitations under the existing framework. The amendment addresses this gap by providing a legal provision for utilizing state government funds.
How Will Forest Authority Act Amendment Act 1991 Help Forest Management?
The amendment is expected to provide several benefits:
Better Coordination
- Improved communication between government departments and district councils.
- Faster decision-making related to forest protection.
Stronger Monitoring
- Better implementation of forest conservation mechanisms.
- Enhanced tracking of environmental and forest-related activities.
Improved Governance
- Clear financial support for the authority’s daily functioning.
- More efficient execution of conservation programmes.
Meghalaya’s Forest Conservation Efforts
Meghalaya is known for its rich biodiversity and large forest cover. Forest governance in the state involves multiple agencies, including the State Forest Department and Autonomous District Councils. The Meghalaya Forest Authority was originally created to improve coordination among these bodies and strengthen conservation efforts. The latest amendment is expected to make the authority more functional and effective in achieving these goals.
Government’s Statement
The Meghalaya Government said the amendment is primarily an administrative reform designed to ensure that the authority can carry out its responsibilities effectively. Officials believe the decision will strengthen collaboration, monitoring systems, and institutional support for forest conservation across the state.
