Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 266/10

PROHIBITION ON PRODUCTION OF CHARCOAL

Shillong, June 17, 2010: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Meghalaya, Shillong has informed that inspite of the notification of the Meghalaya Charcoal (Control of Production Storage, Trade and Transit) Rules, 2008, some unscrupulous persons continue to produce and deal/trade in charcoal which has attracted the serious concern of the administration. Orders have been issued to all authorities notified under the rules to seize any charcoal found in transit or at site which has originated from illegal sources.

The PCCF, Meghalaya has also informed that persons other than those registered by the Divisional Forest Officer should not produce, stock or trade in charcoal and anyone found contravening the rules shall be liable to prosecution as prescribed in the rules. The administration also seeks the cooperation of the people in order to prevent any further denudation to our precious forests.

It may be mentioned that as per the notification of the Meghalaya Charcoal (Control of Production Storage, Trade and Transit) Rules, 2008, it is illegal to manufacture, stock or trade in charcoal in the State of Meghalaya, except in accordance with the Rules. Under the Rules, any person intending to produce, stock or trade in charcoal shall do so only after registering himself as a producer/dealer/stockist as the case may be in the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) concerned.