Forest Cover
The Green Canopy of Meghalaya
As per the India State of Forest Report 2023 (FSI) published by Forest Survey of India, the Forest Cover of the State is 16,966.84 sq km (75.65% of Geographical area) and Tree cover is 720.56 sq km (3.21%).
Against the National Goal to maintain two-third of land area in hills and mountainous regions, the Forest and Tree cover in the State is 78.86% covering 17,687.40 sq km, contributing 2.14% (17,687.40 of 8,27,357 sq km) of India's Forest and Tree Cover.
The State ranks in 5th position nationally in terms of percentage of Forest Cover. However, due to the prevailing land tenure system, only 1,239 sq km of Forest areas (5.3% of Geographical area) comes directly under the State Forest Department.
Data is based on ISFR 2023.
Quality of Forest Cover
How dense the canopy is, as a share of the state's land.
79%Forest & Tree Cover
Forest Cover by District
% of geographical area under forest cover
Above the state average
Below the state average
- East Garo Hills 93.76%
- North Garo Hills 90.96%
- South Garo Hills 86.68%
- Ri-Bhoi 85.1%
- West Khasi Hills 80.9%
- West Garo Hills 74.22%
- Eastern West Khasi Hills 70.57%
- South West Garo Hills 69.77%
- West Jaintia Hills 65.81%
- East Jaintia Hills 65.14%
- South West Khasi Hills 64.37%
- East Khasi Hills 63.85%
Classifications of Forest in Meghalaya
As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the forests of Meghalaya are classified on the basis of canopy density into Very Dense Forest, Moderately Dense Forest and Open Forest, while the State’s forest vegetation is categorised into distinct forest types following the Champion and Seth (1968) classification. Meghalaya has a total forest cover of 16,966.84 sq. km, accounting for 75.65% of its geographical area. The major forest types found in the State include East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, Khasi Subtropical Wet Hill Forest, Cachar Tropical Evergreen Forest, Khasi Hill Sal Forest and Assam Subtropical Pine Forest, along with other associated forest types. East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest is the predominant forest type, reflecting the State’s diverse climatic conditions, topography, rainfall patterns and altitudinal variations. This diversity of forest ecosystems plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, protecting watersheds and sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
Composition of Forest Types
Who Manages the Forests?
Due to the prevailing land tenure system in Meghalaya, only 1,239 sq km of forest area (approx. 5.3% of Geographical area) falls under the direct management of the State Forest & Environment Department. This includes Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Parks.
The vast majority of Meghalaya's forests belong to communities, clans, private individuals, and the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) (Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills) established under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
Under Para 3 of the Sixth Schedule, the District Councils hold constitutional legislative powers to make laws regulating the management and administration of any forest not classified as a Reserved Forest.
Forest Area by Ownership
Autonomous District Councils
Three councils established under the Constitution of India govern forest management across their respective territories.
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council
Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council
Garo Hills Autonomous District Council
Supreme Court Order
Hon'ble Supreme Court vide order dated 12.12.1996 in the case of T.N. GodavarmanThirumulkpad vs Union of India clarified that provisions enacted in the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 must apply to all forests irrespective of ownership or classification.
As per Supreme Court Order dated 15.01.1998 in the case of T. N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMALPAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA, the felling of trees in all forest areas irrespective of ownership shall be in accordance with approved Working Scheme. Only those wood based industries cleared by HPC on or before 15.01.1998 without penalty shall be allowed to shift to industrial estates.
Maps
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