Shillong,July 23: A delegation of the KHADC Executive Committee, led by Chief Executive Member Shemborlang Rynjah, inspected the Mawpat forest to prevent illegal possession of land.
The visit was after the VPP members complained to the KHADC regarding the alleged move of some MLAs to acquire land.
Rynjah said the executive committee (EC) will meet to investigate the alleged illegal acquisition of land so that the forest can be protected.
Rynjah was accompanied by executive members (EMs) and officials from the three departments – elaka, land and forest.
The CEM said the forest at Mawpat was declared as a ‘Law Adong’ (Khlaw Adong). This refers to village forests that are protected and set aside for specific purposes, often related to water conservation and biodiversity, with restricted access and usage, in 2014.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Rynjah said he had witnessed many pillars being erected inside the forest land.
According to the CEM, reports indicate that some MLAs have also acquired land in the forest.
“However, we are still in the dark as to who these pillars belong to and who has erected them. Therefore, the EC has decided to soon meet to investigate the alleged illegal acquisition of land within the forest and take necessary decisions and actions. As of now, I don’t know whether these people, who have erected these pillars, have got permission through proper procedure or not and whether they are the subjects of the Hima Mylliem, as we fear that there are some people from outside the Hima, who are given land here. There is a need to adhere to the terms and conditions of the agreement signed on May 22, 2014.
Rynjah said the former CEM, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit’s decision to declare the forest as ‘Law Adong’ was based on observed activities in the area.
After reviewing documents on the forest, it was revealed that the area has been historically known as “Khlaw Sumar Kyrpang”, he said, adding that the KHADC had cancelled the notification in 2019 and handed over the forest to the Hima.
“Therefore, the EC will immediately meet to decide on the status of the forest,” Rynjah said.
