Forest Utilization Division
Forest Utilisation Division
The Forest Utilisation Division, headquartered in Shillong, is a vital operational arm of the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya. Historically, the division was established to manage the strategic supply of timber to various Government organizations. Its primary responsibilities included coordinating the distribution of wooden railway sleepers to the Indian Railways and provisioning essential timber supplies to the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF).
Following the discontinuation of the railway sleeper supply program in the early 1990s, the division underwent a major structural transition. Shifting away from commercial timber distribution, its mandate has evolved to focus on broader resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable forestry management initiatives across the region.
Establishment
The office functions under the executive leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). To execute these diverse responsibilities, the DFO is backed by a dedicated workforce:
Ministerial staff and trained foresters
Managing statutory duties, regulatory enforcement, and desk operations.
Administrative wing
Handles a complex, multi-disciplinary ledger of specialized technical and financial portfolios.
Drivers and field crews
Managing ground mobility and field interventions.
Contingent Workforce
A structured team of regular Muster rolls (MR) provide critical continuity for field projects and essential day-to-day operations.
Key Initiatives
The Forest Utilisation Division is implementing some key initiatives to promote sustainable forestry and ecological restoration in the Meghalaya.
Promotion of Agar Sector in Meghalaya
Aims to establish quality nurseries, encourage large-scale cultivation of Aquilaria malaccensis (Agar), and improve rural livelihoods. A nursery was established at Nongkulang Village, South West Khasi Hills. The project continues with nursery activities, vacancy filling, and community participation to promote sustainable Agar cultivation.
Research-cum-Demonstration Trial for Ecological Restoration of the Sohra Plateau
Focuses on restoring degraded landscapes through scientific interventions and community involvement. Restoration activities covered selected sites in Sohra area including plantation of 53,180 indigenous saplings, achieving an impressive 90% survival rate after 12-14 months. The project incorporated water harvesting structures, treated bamboo fencing, soil improvement measures, and innovative interventions such as application of hydrogel and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). It also generated employment for local communities while enhancing biodiversity, soil conservation, and climate resilience.
Charcoal Production and Trade
A study on charcoal production and trade revealed low production efficiency, widespread unregulated trade, and significant environmental impacts, recommending improved kiln technologies, renewable biomass alternatives, digital monitoring, and livelihood diversification.
Wood-based Industries
A survey of wood-based industries found outdated machinery, limited technical skills, and inadequate legal timber supply, highlighting the need for modernization, skill development, and policy support.
Timber Quality Study with ICFRE–IWST, Bengaluru
A collaborative study with ICFRE–IWST, Bengaluru, is scientifically assessing the quality of 15 major timber species to support timber grading, value addition, sustainable utilization, and industrial development.
Proposed CAMPA Scheme 2026–27
Looking ahead, the proposed CAMPA Scheme 2026–27 seeks approval for establishing a temporary nursery and afforestation plantation at Myndo Village, Nongstoin. The proposal includes raising quality planting stock and undertaking plantations over 31.2 hectares to restore degraded land, increase forest cover, improve carbon sequestration, conserve biodiversity, and create local employment.