Shillong, April 24: The Government of Meghalaya has notified a new community reserve in East Garo Hills district, bringing a forest area under formal protection with an emphasis on community-led management.
According to a notification issued by the Forest and Environment Department, the Bijasik Matwa A’pal Community Forest under Songsak block has been designated as the “Bijasik Matwa A’pal Community Reserve” with immediate effect under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The reserve spans approximately 20.89 hectares. The notification outlines detailed boundary demarcations in all directions, using geographic coordinates and local reference points such as streams, agricultural fields and village land to define the area.
Officials said the move is intended to strengthen conservation efforts while ensuring active participation of local communities in safeguarding forest resources. Community reserves typically operate through collaborative management, balancing ecological preservation with local livelihood needs.
A management committee has also been constituted to oversee the reserve. The panel will be led by a chairman and include members from the local community along with Forest Department officials. The Divisional Forest Officer of East and West Garo Hills (Wildlife Division), or a nominated officer, will serve as the member secretary.
The chairman of the committee will additionally function as the Honorary Wildlife Warden for the reserve, reinforcing a decentralised and community-driven conservation model.
The declaration adds to Meghalaya’s growing network of protected areas and reflects ongoing efforts to involve indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
