Meghalaya Cabinet Approves Amendment to Bolster Forest Governance

Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet approved an amendment to the 1991 Forest Authority Act on May 27. This change aims to improve how the State Forest Department and the Autonomous District Councils work together to protect and manage the region's natural resources.

Government officials stated that the adjustment will grant the Forest Authority the ability to use funds for day-to-day operations. This includes covering expenses for monitoring, coordination, and collaborative projects. By streamlining these administrative tasks, the government hopes to create a more efficient system for local forest administration.

While the state government classified the update as a minor change, they emphasized that it is necessary to help the Authority carry out its conservation mandate. This decision aligns with the state's ongoing mission to improve environmental oversight and establish more effective long-term forest management policies.