The Forest & Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya (F&E Department), on May 8, 2026, notified the Meghalaya Forest Transit (Amendment) Rules, 2026, amending the Meghalaya Forest Regulation Transit Rules to recognize electronic Transit Passes and No Objection Certificates issued through the National Transit Pass System. The amendment permits forest produce movement based on permits issued electronically through the online system and grants statewide validity to such electronic transit documents without requiring fresh transit permits upon import into Meghalaya.
The amendment also deletes the second proviso under Rule 4(c) and inserts a new proviso clarifying that electronic Transit Passes or NOCs issued through the online National Transit Pass System shall remain valid throughout Meghalaya. This move is aimed at streamlining forest produce transportation and promoting digital compliance mechanisms under the Meghalaya Forest Regulation, 1973.
Further, Rule 17 relating to penalties has been substituted to enhance punishments for violations. The revised provision prescribes imprisonment up to one year and fine up to ₹5,000 for first offences, while repeat offences may attract imprisonment up to three years and fine up to ₹25,000. A minimum imprisonment of one month has also been mandated for every infringement under the Rules.
[Notification No. FOR.37/2014/422]
