Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said that his government is targeting an increase of 400 sq km (40,000 hectares) in Meghalaya’s forest cover over the next five years.
The CM attended a tree plantation event at the new Assembly complex in Mawdiangdiang where he, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, cabinet ministers and others planted saplings a day after World Environment Day.
“In the past seven years, Meghalaya has added nearly 22,000 hectares of forest cover and planted close to 2 crore saplings. Our goal is to increase this to 40,000 hectares in the next five years,” Sangma said.
While the figure over the past seven years is positive, the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR), which was released in December last year, showed a decline of more than 8,400 hectares of forest cover in Meghalaya between 2021-23.
Sangma also spoke about the progress of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programme where the state government incentivises communities to preserve forests. According to the CM, more than Rs 42 crore has been disbursed to support the protection of 52,000 hectares.
Turning to urban environmental concerns, Sangma highlighted the recently launched ‘Mission Clean Shillong 2027’, designed to improve sanitation and aesthetics in the run-up to the National Games.
RS Gill, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, highlighted the state’s rich tradition of community-led conservation. “From sacred groves to living root bridges, Meghalaya is a living example of sustainable stewardship.”
He also acknowledged the state government’s investment in strengthening forest infrastructure, saying, “Support in the form of improved housing and transportation has greatly enhanced the efficiency and morale of our frontline personnel.”
