NGT Directs Arunachal Govt to Take Strict Action Against Illegal Logging

Itanagar, September 4, 2019:

National Green Tribunal (NGT), in a landmark decision, has directed the Arunachal Pradesh Government to initiate immediate action to stop illegal logging in the state.

The directions came in after hearing a case filed by Jorjo Tana Tara, a resident of Seijosa, pertaining to illegal logging reported in Papum forest under the Khellong forest division.

A Bench comprising Justice SP Wangdi and Expert members such as Dr Satyawan Singh Garbyal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, DFO (Khellong Division), and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, directed the state government to act against the ongoing illegal logging.

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The NGT has also directed to identify the hotspots of the state where illegal felling of trees and deforestation are taking place. It further directed to constitute a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to put into action within a month.

The NGT further asked to enhance the strength the forest personnel in the state at all levels, considering the size of the huge tract of forest land that plays the role of a carbon sink and is considered the lungs of the country. It also called for ensuring effective enforcement of the forest laws, and protection of the rich forest resources.

Meanwhile, the NGT said urgent steps are required to conserve and further nurture the natural setting of the state.

During the hearing, Justice Wangdi and Dr Garbyal said, “There is no gainsaying that the state is the trustee of its natural resources and in that capacity, it is expected to discharge the responsibility which the constitution of India has reposed upon it under Article 48 (A).”

It is to be noted that the direction of NGT is not confined to Papum Reserve Forest but the entire state.

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