Reconciling Tribal Autonomy with Environmental Protection: A Legal Analysis of Forest Governance in the Khasi Hills

Name of Author : Dr Daiahunlin Mawlong

Abstract: The Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, located on Indias northeastern frontier, are among the worlds most biologically rich and constitutionally unique highland landscapes [1, 2]. Receiving some of the highest recorded rainfall globally, the region supports remarkable floral and faunal biodiversity, nurtured over centuries by the indigenous Khasi people via sophisticated customary institutions [3, 4]. However, in recent decades, these forest ecosystems have suffered severe and accelerating degradation from environmental crimes, including unregulated coal extraction, unauthorised logging, and unlawful land use conversion [5, 6].

Keywords : Khasi Hills, Tribal Autonomy, Environmental Protection

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