Traditional institutions

Institutions such as the traditional village durbars in Meghalaya play a vital role in the society and economy of Meghalaya, for conservation of the environment and awareness of sustainable practices among others. Traditions such as the conservation of sacred groves, the prevention of overexploitation of natural resources such as forests; wise management of springs and other water sources, customary law that discourages hunting of wild animals, are helpful in protecting the ecology.

The Meghalaya government has already notified several sacred forests as Community Reserves under Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. development to communities providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities.

Local communities and traditional institutions in Meghalaya are already involved in development planning, providing support to Village Employment Councils, identifying beneficiaries of various government programmes, making available community land for construction projects, management of community reserves , etc. for the development of tribal regions in the state.

This information was given by Union Minister for North East Region Development Ministry, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written response to Rajya Sabha today.

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MG/PD