Page 44 - Demo

Community Based Elephant Conservation
Rangku N. Sangma, Chief Forest Officer, Meghalaya
Elephants have always been an integral part of the a’chiks (Garo) way of life. They have always been revered and is always re- ferred to as ‘Dalgipa’ or the ‘big one’ and very rarely by their lo-
cal name ‘mongma’ except when necessary. The a’chiks have always shared space with these magnificent creatures and learnt to evolve with them. many a folk lore associated with the ‘Big one’ have been narrated through generations with some of the popular ones being; ‘they can hear through distances’, ‘they never forget’, ‘they can sense your intentions’ and so on.
The forest department of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has had the privilage to look after the well being of the ‘Big one’ since the inception of the Council in 1952. Garo hills has been abundantly blessed with lush greenery with almost 80% of the total geographical area under forest cover. These forests have been supporting diverse wildlife since time immemorial. By mandate of the 6th Schedule to the Constitution of India, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council enacted the ‘Garo Hills District (Forest) Act, 1958, to safeguard this rich green and wild heritage. Under this Act, the Garo Hills Autono- mous District (constitution and management of village Forests Rules, 1976, was formulated to empower communities in looking after their forests and wildlife under traditional and cultural laws. Accordingly, Forest Department has been working with communities for the se- curement of forests, wildlife and habitats.
The land tenure system in Garo hills is unique. The communities have ownership over territorial (clan) lands (territories) and it was realized
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