Shillong, June 04: Known as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya is blessed with verdant green forests, crystal clear rivers, and home to Asia’s cleanest village. With the state making significant advancements in infrastructure and development, it has given rise to environmental concerns, the Government of Meghalaya is committed to protecting the environment by striking a balance between economic development and ecological sustainability.
The government aims to become a leader in climate-resilient agriculture, eco-tourism, and sustainability by protecting its natural resources, expanding forest cover, and undertaking scientific mining.2
Under the visionary leadership of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, the state government is taking significant steps to preserve forests and empower the indigenous communities as custodians of the ecological heritage, the Government of Meghalaya launched the GREEN (Grassroots Level Response towards Ecosystem Enhancement & Nurturing) Meghalaya Scheme based on the principles of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model in June 2022.
Following its success, the government launched the GREEN Meghalaya+ scheme with a target of conservation of additional 50,000 Ha of forest area, and supports villages, communities, clans, or individuals that commit to conserve and protect natural forests for a minimum period of 30 years.
The PES is a landmark scheme that incentivises individuals, clans and communities to conserve the forests areas. Meghalaya is the first state in the country to implement the program, and it is the largest initiative in the country.
At an event in Shillong in March, over 2,700 beneficiaries received financial assistance amounting to more than ₹25 crore under the GREEN Meghalaya+. In a separate event held in Tura in March, the government released more than ₹1.16 crore under the Green Meghalaya+ programme benefitting 60 beneficiaries.
One such example of community participation is in Daronggre, Garo Hills, where beneficiaries conserve their clan forests, protect biodiversity and cultural heritage. Their efforts are supported with an increased incentive of upto Rs 20,000 under GREEN Meghalaya+. Similarly, in Jaintia Hills, the Pyrtuh clan is responsible for conserving 15 hectares of forest in Mustem village, has gained resources through the PES scheme.
It is to be noted that over 30,000 hectares of new forests have been planted in the last 8 years, and several programs for catchment protection and impounding precious water resources are being taken up at a large scale.
Meghalaya’s community-centric climate-adaptation efforts, including the Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas under the MegARISE project, the Spring Mapping Initiative, and the Climate-Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project have been lauded and highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament by the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, which reaffirms the state’s path of balancing ecology with economy.
The government has come up with Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas under MegARISE project to enhance water availability and security in Meghalaya by protecting critical catchment areas in Umiew (East Khasi Hills District) and Ganol (West Garo Hills District) through sustainable forest management.
To conserve water, the government has mapped around 60,000 springs over the last 5 years, over 700 water harvesting structures constructed. The government has made significant success in protecting 747 critical water sources.
There are over 530 Community-based Water Harvesting Project being constructed across the state, the project also involves livelihood improvement programs, empowering local communities through a participatory approach.
Another major initiative is the MegLIFE project, which aims to restore 22,500 Ha. of degraded forests, the project covers 30 blocks across 12 districts. – budget speech
The State Government is vigorously working on its expansion plans to the New Shillong Township. Recognising the importance of green spaces in urban areas, the State Government launched the Avenue Plantation Project in 2025. This ensures environmental sustainability alongside advancements in urban infrastructure
The initiative aims to plant 6000 trees along major roads and medians, covering over 25 km of avenues and 2 km of median plantations.
Through these initiatives, the State continues to make considerable progress towards its climate goals through protection, conservation and preservation of forest.
While embracing modern advancements and economic development, the government is committed to balancing development with ecological sustainability, creating opportunities for communities to participate and benefit from the growing green economy.
