SHILLONG: The Forest department of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has created a new branch called Social Forestry aimed at taking up measures to protect and preserve the environment.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, CEM of KHADC Titosstarwell Chyne said the Council will plant trees while trying to improve and encourage setting up of community forests.
He said that the Council will assist in protecting the environment especially from haphazard deforestation.
Pointing to the importance of the Forest department, he said, “95 per cent of the forest is under the District Council but till date there are no developmental programmes. The creation of the Social Forestry wing is a step towards improving the forest cover.”
The wing will be headed by an officer who will be appointed later.