Shillong (Meghalaya), April 23: In a boost to community-led conservation, the Governor of Meghalaya has notified 20.89 hectares of the Bijasik Matwa A pal Community Forest in East Garo Hills as a Community Reserve, setting up a seven-member management panel with the local chairman doubling as Honorary Wildlife Warden.
The notification dated April 22, 2026, issued under http://O.FOR.17/2013/1120, invokes Section 36 C of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 to declare the area in Songsak Block as the “Bijasik Matwa A pal Community Reserve” with immediate effect. The reserve’s boundary starts at the Matwa Stream and runs through Wage Playground, paddy fields, rubber plantations, and private holdings belonging to residents including Lipdon Marak, Sillin Marak, Dora Sangma, Walnet, Wenson Marak, Choron Sangma, Jimpil Marak and Embath Marak, before closing the loop at Lipdon Marak’s pond.
Through a second order under Section 36 D of the Act, the Governor constituted the reserve’s Management Committee. Charon C Marak has been named Chairman and will also serve as the Honorary Wildlife Warden of the Community Reserve. Taibath D Sangma is President. Naban N Marak, Chongram M Marak, Jendellin M Sangma and Samuel N Marak are members, while the Divisional Forest Officer, East and West Garo Hills, Wildlife Division, Tura, or a nominee not below Forester-I rank, will act as Member Secretary.
Community Reserves are protected areas on community land where locals manage conservation of wildlife, habitat and traditional practices. The notification gives legal backing to the community’s stewardship of the Bijasik Matwa A pal forest.
