By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While environmental degradation is gradually taking its toll on Meghalaya, the State Government has admitted that its limited role in the scheme of things owing to the ‘peculiar land tenure system’ in the State has not helped the cause of protecting the environment.
Tynsong rued that out of the 77 per cent forest cover in the State, the Government owns only five per cent which are known as reserve forests.
“The State has enough laws and regulations to protect environment. But it is not easy to put the acts in place under such peculiar land tenure system which is being followed in the State,” the Forest and Environment Minister said while talking to reporters here.
However, in order to minimise the damage, Tynsong said, the Government is creating awareness on the importance of protecting the environment.
While admitting that sand and stone quarrying in and around the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme is affecting the project, the Minister said, “The Meghalaya Catchment Areas Act, 1990 will have to be further improved,” he said.
The Planning Department is currently examining the proposed amendment to the Catchment Act and the Chief Minister is expected to convene a meeting to finalise the proposed amendment.
