It is observed, of late, that the environment has been paid greater attention than ever in the history of mankind. This emphasis is the result of the realization that the environment holds fundamental but finite resources for economic and social development and should therefore be used sustainably. Despite such emphasis, the environment is degrading continuously as a result of the ever-growing demand of the human race. The anthropogenic pressures have a significant impact on the forests culminating in forest degradation. An improved, holistic approach is needed for the sustainable management of degraded forests. This paper examines the factors of forest degradation, its impact and the responses of the peripheral people of the forests by applying the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework taking Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries as a case. The participatory tools such as key informant interview, focus group discussion, participatory observation and questionnaire survey were administered to elicit the required data for analysing through the DPSIR assessment framework. The result shows significant degradation of the ecosystems of both the sanctuaries over the last three decades. However, realising the impact of such degradation, various stakeholders started responding positively and the sanctuaries’ ecosystem has been witnessing a slow improvement.