Meghalaya CM visits Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Shillong: In an endeavor to gain first-hand impression of the challenges faced in implementing conservation initiatives in the Garo Hills region of the state, chief minister Conrad K Sangma visited villages adjacent to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in West Garo Hills district on Thursday.Accompanied by senior officials led by principal secretary Sampath Kumar, along with a team from the forest and environment department, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), and Council of Nokmas, the CM visited Sakalgre, Baladinggre and Sakal Aduma. He met the ‘nokmas’ (headmen) from the Ganol catchment area. The Ganol river, which originates from Nokrek, is the main source of water for Tura and other adjoining areas in the region.During an interaction program with the ‘nokmas’ at Sakal Aduma, a village located in the highest range of Garo Hills at about 1,400 meters above sea level, adjacent to Nokrek, a biosphere reserve famed for Citrus Indica, known locally as Memang Narang, he discussed the conservation challenges and initiatives.The CM informed village chiefs that the government has initiated several conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and rejuvenating the catchment areas. He said the government is currently implementing the Green Meghalaya initiative and the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, which rewards communities for their conservation efforts. Under PES, the government provides Rs 15,000 per hectare of land conserved.The CM emphasized the government’s approach of involving local communities in development and conservation initiatives, especially in eco-sensitive regions. We also published the following articles recently