Meghalaya constitutes Committee for checking indiscriminate felling of trees

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 9, 2025

In compliance with the High Court of Meghalaya’s order, the Meghalaya Governor notified the constitution of a three (03) Member Committee to check indiscriminate felling of trees throughout the State.

The High Court of Meghalaya issued the direction during the trial for PIL No. 2 of 2024 dated 09.04.2025 in the matter of Geraldine G. Shabong Vrs State of Meghalaya & others.

According to the notification, the Committe  is headed by the Conservator of Forests (T), Khasi & Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, Shillong as Chairman with two members namely Dr. Krishna Upadhaya, Associate Professor (Environmental Science), Department of Basic Sciences & Social Sciences, North Eastern Hill University and Secretary,  Meghalaya Forests & Environment Department.

The Committee will advise the government with regard to the steps to be taken to stop indiscriminate felling of trees throughout the State. The Government will act in accordance with such advice.

It will scrutinize the above report filed before the government which includes the applications to permit felling of trees along with the report of the local forest officers, make their independent enquiry and issue necessary directions to the Forest Department to fell the trees or to refrain from doing so or to take any measures for their preservation.

The Committee will take District by District and deal with the applications for felling of trees in those Districts in accordance with law passing suitable directions binding on the respondents and the local forest officials.