By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 18: The felling of a significant number of pine trees at Law Syiem, a vital catchment area in Mawlai Mawroh, has triggered a row between local residents and traditional authorities over environmental preservation and legal compliance.
Residents expressed alarm at what they described as extensive tree cutting inside the forest, which belongs to the Hima Mylliem. While some trees were near the roadside, locals questioned why those deep within the forest—posing no immediate threat to the public—were also removed.
The Syiem of Mylliem, Ainam Sing Syiem, defended the action, stating that only eight aged pine trees were cut. He claimed the trees were leaning toward the road, endangering pedestrians and commuters, and that the work was carried out with Forest Department permission.
The Dorbar Shnong Mawlai Mawroh confirmed it had requested the Hima Mylliem to remove hazardous trees near high-tension electric wires but clarified it was not informed of the final number of trees felled.
The Syiem’s claims have been disputed by concerned citizens, who allege the actual count exceeds eight. They also raised questions regarding the validity of the permits. Under the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act, 1976, felling even dangerous trees requires a verified application and approval from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Large-scale removal of more than 20 trees requires further clearance from the Conservator of Forests.
Adding to the confusion, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Forest Department denied issuing any permission for the activity. A Council official noted that because the area falls within a 10-kilometre radius of the city, the Hima Mylliem was required to secure approval from the State Forest Department. It remains unclear if the DFO (Territorial) issued such a permit.
The incident has intensified calls for transparency and stricter enforcement of environmental laws in ecologically sensitive catchment areas like Law Syiem.
