All management activities in the Protected Areas are carried out in accordance with prescriptions of site-specific management plans which adopt an ecosystem approach to management, except in certain cases where a species-oriented approach is required (e.g. Project Elephant).

The annual plan of operations of each of the Protected Areas is based on these management plans, which are a mixture of scientific prescriptions, focusing on conservation needs, habitat needs, and ecological concerns of the area.

A primary objective is the development of communities living in fringe areas, helping to reduce their dependence on core protected zones and securing their cooperation in conservation.

Awareness and educative programmes are taken up on a continuous basis in appropriate areas. The implications of Wildlife Acts & Rules and conservation issues in local languages are actively published.

Every year, extensive programmes are held in schools and colleges, engaging students with conservation challenges and obtaining feedback to gauge the thinking of the younger generation. These activities culminate in high-profile Wildlife Week celebrations during the first week of October.

Lectures and interactive discussions are also conducted in villages situated around PAs. Additionally, the State actively manages two mini Zoos at Shillong and Tura, along with a recreational park at Umiam, targeting appreciation and deep concern for nature among citizens.

Meghalaya faces constant pressure from illegal wildlife trade routes leading to neighboring South East Asian countries, with Shillong acting as an important transit point. Traditional community hunting and local consumption habits pose continuous threats to wildlife populations.

Wildlife protection is therefore prioritised. Notable achievements include the near-complete eradication of community hunting around the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, and the legal closure of the illegal sale of rare butterfly species of the State under orders of the High Court.

Working closely with the State Police and Customs Department, the Wildlife Wing has secured substantial seizures of elephant ivory and tiger products, dismantling syndicates.

Field operations involve habitat enrichment projects including weed eradication, clearing of water holes, creation of salt licks, wetland improvement, and forest fire protection to sustain the local wildlife populations.

Proper patrolling camps and checkposts are constructed across critical wildlife migration routes to prevent intrusions.

Eco-development works focus on fringe village community empowerment. Interventions are highly customized to the needs of the locals, including raising horticultural, fuelwood, and fodder plantations, non-timber forest product nurseries, handloom supply, modern beehive box distribution, village water supply extensions, and providing schools with desks, blackboards, and fishery ponds.

Other activities proposed in newly established elephant reserves focus on corridor restoration, ensuring safe movement and abundant natural food/shelter for herds.