Union Minister for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday said, the Government of Meghalaya has already notified several sacred forests as Community Reserves under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a written reply in Rajya Sabha today Reddy said, Institutions such as traditional village durbars in Meghalaya play a vital role in Meghalaya’s society and economy, inter alia environmental conservation and raising awareness about sustainable practices.
The traditions such as conservation of sacred groves, prevention of over-exploitation of natural resources such as forests; managing springs and other water sources wisely, customary law discouraging hunting of wild animals, are helpful in protecting ecology.
Government of Meghalaya has already notified several sacred forests as Community Reserves under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Also, the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) of the Government have brought development to the communities by providing them alternative livelihood opportunities.
Local communities and traditional institutions in Meghalaya are already involved in developmental planning, providing support to Village Employment Councils, identification of beneficiaries of various government programmes, making available community land for construction projects, Management of Community Reserves, etc. for development of tribal regions in the State.