ITANAGAR, April 21: Rampant and unregulated earth-cutting in the catchment areas between Ganga to Tago and Chimi to Taipu villages under the Ganga-Chimi Panchayat have sparked outrage among local residents and environmental advocates. The Village Forest Committee has voiced serious concern over the destruction of a rich and fragile forest ecosystem that has existed for over a century.
According to the committee, these catchment areas are not only home to diverse wildlife and dense forest cover but are also crucial to the region’s water security. The illegal activities have already led to the contamination of natural water sources, leaving villagers with no choice but to consume unsafe, mud-filled water—raising significant public health concerns.
On April 10, 2025, the committee formally lodged a complaint with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), who responded swiftly by instructing the Range Forest Officer (RFO) to halt the unauthorized work and seize the heavy machinery used in the operation. However, in a disturbing turn of events, the machinery was mysteriously removed from the site later that night at approximately 10:40 PM, before any investigation could begin. The timing and secrecy surrounding the evacuation of equipment have led to suspicions of an internal information leak or collusion by vested interests.
Despite multiple follow-ups—both through official channels and personal outreach—the RFO of the Poma Division Wildlife Sanctuary has failed to take effective action or respond to repeated attempts at communication. Meanwhile, credible sources indicate that illegal construction work is still ongoing in the Tago area, in blatant violation of forest and wildlife protection laws.
Frustrated by the lack of enforcement and accountability, the Village Forest Committee submitted a detailed representation to the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on April 14, 2025, calling for immediate intervention. The committee has demanded that the illegally constructed roads be dismantled and that all those responsible for violating forest conservation laws be held accountable under the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife Protection Act.
Calling on the media to bring greater attention to the issue, the committee stressed that the situation is not only an environmental crisis but also a threat to the well-being and future of the local communities that depend on these natural resources. The members urge swift and decisive action to preserve the integrity of the forest and restore safety to the lives of those impacted.
