Meghalaya Mirrors

Between the state’s rich natural heritage and pressing environmental challenges, this volume explores the vital role of communities in protecting their resources and promoting sustainable development. It showcases the resilience of local communities through case studies, grassroots perspectives, and examples of indigenous knowledge systems.

'This insightful volume is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Meghalaya's communities in environmental stewardship. It serves as an inspiring blueprint for others worldwide, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in sustainable development.'

- Mr. Aibanshngain Swer, Director, Meghalaya Institute of Governance, Shillong, India

'The book showcases how local communities in the North East address environmental challenges of the region. The work presents narratives of grassroots initiatives and demonstrates the potential of community-driven conservation approaches for sustainable development.'

- Dr M Dinesh Kumar, Executive Director, Institute of Resource Analysis and Policy, Hyderabad, India

Anjal Prakash is Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB. With over 25 years of experience in water, climate, and policy research across South Asia, he has served as Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC’s Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere and contributed to the IPCC AR6. He specialises in urban resilience, gender, and social inclusion, and has authored numerous publications, including eight edited books.

Gunanka D.B , an Indian Forest Service officer, is Additional Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya. With 15+ years spanning corporate IT and public administration, he specialises in institutional reform, natural resource management, and data-driven governance. He has led major externally aided projects, strengthened geospatial systems, and advanced community-led conservation models. His work blends systems thinking with grounded implementation, contributing to applied research and policy innovation in ecologically sensitive regions.

Sampath Kumar , IAS, serves as Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya. With 26 years of public administration experience, he pioneered the State Capability Enhancement Project (SCEP), promoting adaptive governance, convergence, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, Meghalaya achieved a significant reduction in acute malnutrition and institutionalised its Early Childhood Development Mission. A Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, he continues to champion systemic governance reforms rooted in community participation and iterative learning.