Shillong, Oct 28: A field evaluation of the Rs 838.16 crore community-based Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE) was conducted in South West Garo Hills to assess progress on forest restoration and livelihoods.
Evaluation teams inspected interventions and held community consultations at Rongsang Abagre and Golmangre in Betasing block and Torangpara and Ulubaripara under Zikzak and Ampati.
The teams reviewed assisted natural regeneration, community plantations, soil and water conservation structures, fire management and village nurseries for their impact on restoring degraded land and checking erosion.
Livelihood components like forest-based enterprises, NTFP harvesting and income generation activities were assessed for creating economic opportunities while encouraging forest protection.
Focus group discussions were held with SHG members on nursery management and livelihood diversification, while Village Project Implementation Committee members flagged operational challenges and suggestions.
Funded by JICA and implemented by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, MegLIFE covers 500 villages in 30 blocks across 12 districts, aiming to tackle forest degradation, soil erosion and river sedimentation through community participation.
