Shillong, Mar 4: Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik on Friday said the government is carrying out reclamation of abandoned coal mining areas through afforestation.

Delivering his address on the first day of the Assembly’s Budget Session, Malik said, “For reclamation through afforestation of abandoned coal mining areas, more than 9 lakhs seedlings have been raised under Meghalaya Environment Protection Restoration Fund and about 2 lakhs saplings have been distributed to the public.”

He informed that a Pilot Project for reclamation of abandoned coal mine areas at Sookilo, East Jaintia Hills District has been undertaken.

Lauding the forest cover of the state, Governor said that the state government is committed for conservation of forests and environment for sustainable development.

According to him, Working Scheme for 19 more community and private owned forests covering an area of 1797 hectares has been prepared during 2021-2022.

For research and rehabilitation of wild animals and to meet the recreational needs of the people and promoting eco-tourism, Malik said that developmental works in the Meghalaya State Zoo, Umtrew, Ri Bhoi District at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crores are in progress.

He further informed that the dossiers for the inscription of Garo Hills Conservation Area in the final list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites is being finalised.