Shillong, March 4: The sate government is carrying out reclamation of abandoned coal mining areas through afforestation, Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Friday.
Addressing the Assembly on the first day of the budget session, Malik said, “For reclamation through afforestation of abandoned coal mining areas, more than 9 lakhs seedlings have been raised under Meghalaya Environment Protection Restoration Fund and about 2 lakhs saplings have been distributed to the public.”
He informed that a Pilot Project for reclamation of abandoned coal mine areas at Sookilo, East Jaintia HIlls District has been undertaken.
He said the state government is committed for conservation of forests and environment for sustainable development.
The governor said Working Scheme for 19 more community and private owned forests covering an area of 1797 hectares has been prepared during 2021-2022.
State zoo
For research and rehabilitation of wild animals and to meet the recreational needs of the people and promoting eco-tourism, Malik said that developmental works in the Meghalaya State Zoo, Umtrew, Ri Bhoi District at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore are in progress.
“The dossiers for the inscription of Garo Hills Conservation Area in the final list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites is being finalised”, he said
