Meghalaya govt to amend Forest Act

Shillong, Sep 27 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has decided to amend the Forest Regulation Act, 1973, in the state to check rampant felling of trees for various purposes in the forest areas.

Following the continuous felling of tress for manufacturing charcoal and undertaking jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) in the hilly areas of forest land, a serious threat had been posed to the environment.

The government took the decision to amend the state forest regulation act, in a Cabinet meeting yesterday on the reports of trees being felled in large numbers in the name of shifting cultivation and producing charcoal in various parts of the state mainly in the West Khasi hills district.

With the amendment of the Act, the state government wants to ensure that only producers and industrial units get permit for coal production, maintaining records and submit returns to the Forest department.

Transaction of charcoal without permit will be tantamount to criminal offence and liable to imprisonment for six months for violation of government act.

UNI PB DPM SS1352