Environment
Meghalaya targets 50,000 more hectares under forest protection
The payment for ecosystem services model pays clans and communities to protect forests, and the state is now widening its reach.
By Lalremsiami Hnamte ยท 5 June 2026
Meghalaya is widening its forest conservation drive. Under GREEN Meghalaya+, the state aims to bring an extra 50,000 hectares of forest under protection, with commitments lasting at least 30 years.
The original GREEN Meghalaya scheme began in 2022. It follows a payment for ecosystem services model, under which individuals, clans and communities are paid to protect forests. In March, more than 2,700 beneficiaries in Shillong received over Rs 25 crore, and an event in Tura saw Rs 1.16 crore paid to 60 beneficiaries. In Mustem in the Jaintia Hills, the Pyrtuh clan is protecting 15 hectares with this support.
Water and springs
Government data shows that more than 30,000 hectares of new forest cover has been added in the last eight years. About 60,000 springs have been mapped in five years, more than 700 water harvesting structures have been built and 747 key water sources are under protection.
The MegLIFE project aims to restore 22,500 hectares of degraded forest across 30 blocks in 12 districts. Another programme, MegARISE, protects key catchments in the Umiew and Ganol river basins to improve water security.
Source: India Today NE
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