Shillong, Apr 23: In a significant move aimed at strengthening community-led conservation, the Meghalaya government has officially declared the Bijasik Matwa A’pal Community Reserve in East Garo Hills district, granting it protected status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The notification, issued by the Forest & Environment Department on April 22, states that the reserve—located in Songsak block—has been designated under provisions of Section 36C of the Act, with immediate effect.
Spread across approximately 20.89 hectares, the newly notified reserve is expected to enhance biodiversity protection while empowering local communities to play a central role in forest management.
Alongside the declaration, the government has constituted a Community Reserve Management Committee to oversee conservation efforts and ensure sustainable use of forest resources. The committee will be chaired by local representative Charon C Marak, with other community members included, while the Divisional Forest Officer will serve as Member Secretary.
Notably, the Chairman of the committee will also function as the Honorary Wildlife Warden of the reserve—underscoring the emphasis on grassroots stewardship.
The notification outlines the reserve’s precise geographic boundaries using multiple reference points in the north, south, east, and west directions, indicating a clearly demarcated conservation zone.
Officials say the move aligns with Meghalaya’s broader push toward community-based conservation models, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Garo Hills, which are rich in biodiversity but face increasing anthropogenic pressures.
