Shillong, Sep 20 (UNI) The Meghalaya Government has amended a forest act inherited from the then composite Assam, which has proved to be grossly inadequate over time to deal with the growing
incidence of crimes in forest areas in the State.
“In the recent past, the incidence of forest offences has increased considerably. Forest offences are now committed by organised groups with money and muscle power. The provisions of the Meghalaya Forest Regulation Act, 1973 (which is an adaptation of Assam Forest Regulation, 1891 Act), in the present form are not adequate to put an effective check on the activities of such offenders,” a government statement issued in the State assembly recently said.