Guwahati: Meghalaya is renowned for its age-old conservation practices, particularly the preservation of sacred groves and various community-owned forests. These untouched virgin forests, often referred to as “Nature’s Museum,” are believed to house spiritual deities of the local communities.
However, a recent forest inventory report by the Meghalaya Forest and Environment Department highlights a concerning trend: while many sacred groves are still preserved with religious fervor, others are facing neglect, degradation, and degeneration. The report warns of the rapid disappearance of species due to anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat alteration, excessive utilization, pollution, and the invasion of alien species. This loss is occurring so quickly that many valuable taxa may vanish before they are identified, documented, and their scientific, cultural, therapeutic, and commercial values are discovered.
The third forest inventory report, recently released, details 24 sacred groves in the East Khasi Hills district, surveyed during 2022-23. The previous two volumes covered 40 sacred groves. The report notes that with the advent of Christianity, improved education, and exposure to Western lifestyles, people are gradually drifting away from traditional beliefs. This shift has contributed to the degradation of some sacred groves, now plagued by encroachments, illegal logging, and invasive species.
The report also highlights the absence of proper regulatory and funding mechanisms for conservation, protection, and scientific management, further accelerating the degradation of sacred groves.
Sacred groves in Meghalaya, known locally as Law Lyngdoh, Law Niam, Khloo Blai, Law Kyntang, and Kosi, depending on their location, are in urgent need of protection.
Proposed solutions for sacred groves:
- Need for Registration: None of the sacred groves surveyed are registered with the concerned autonomous district councils, as mandated by the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Management and Control of Forests) Rules, 1960. Registration under these rules is essential to provide legal recognition and protection from non-forestry uses. The report emphasizes the need for physical demarcation of forest boundaries to prevent encroachments.
- Notification as Community Reserve: Section 38C of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for the declaration of private or community land as a Community Reserve, providing legal protection and eligibility for financial assistance under the Centrally Sponsored ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’.
- Fire Protection: Although only one fire incident has occurred in the Lawpyllun Law Adong Kur Iawphniaw in 22 years, the area remains vulnerable. Measures such as creating and maintaining fire lines and engaging fire watchers during critical months are recommended.
- Creation of Eco-Tourism Facilities: To raise awareness of the rich biodiversity and create livelihood opportunities, the construction of eco-tourism facilities such as rain shelters, viewpoints, footpaths, walking trails, signboards, and washrooms is suggested.
- Restocking of Open Degraded Areas: Efforts should be made to promote the natural regeneration of native species and afforestation of areas that cannot regenerate naturally.
- Carbon Credits Proposal: To reward local communities for their conservation efforts, a proposal for earning carbon credits through better protection and conservation measures should be formulated and registered on an appropriate carbon registry.
The National Forest Policy, 1988, aims to bring at least 33% of India’s geographical area and 60% of the total geographical area in hilly states like Meghalaya under forest/tree cover. Protecting and improving sacred groves and other community and clan-owned forests is crucial to achieving these goals amidst various ecological and anthropogenic threats.
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