Shillong, May 13: The Government of Meghalaya has notified amendments to the Meghalaya Forest Regulation Transit Rules, 2026, introducing provisions for electronic transit passes and stricter penalties for violations.
According to a notification issued by the Forest & Environment Department on May 8, 2026, the amended rules came into force with immediate effect under the powers conferred by Sections 40 and 41 of the Meghalaya Forest Regulation, 1973. Under the amended provisions, permits issued by authorised Forest Officers for the removal of forest produce can now also include electronic Transit Passes or No Objection Certificates generated through the online National Transit Pass System.
The notification further stated that electronic Transit Passes and No Objection Certificates issued through the online system will remain valid across the entire state, eliminating the requirement for fresh transit permits during import into Meghalaya.
The government has also amended Rule 17 relating to penalties for violations of the transit rules. Under the revised provision, any person found violating the rules may face imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to ₹5,000 for the first offence. For second and subsequent offences, the punishment may extend to three years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to ₹25,000. The amended rule also mandates a minimum imprisonment of one month in every case of infringement under the rules.
