Itanagar, Apr 21: The Village Forest Committee (VFC) of Ganga-Chimi Panchayat in Itanagar has raised alarm over the continued illegal construction of roads and earth cutting activities in the ecologically sensitive forest catchment areas between Chimi Village to Taipu and Ganga Village to Tago.
The committee alleges that these activities are in violation of forest conservation laws and pose a severe threat to both the environment and local water sources.
In a written statement, the VFC stated that the affected areas are part of a century-old forest ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. It expressed grave concern that unauthorized developmental activities have already resulted in visible forest degradation and contamination of natural water sources. Villagers in the area are reportedly being forced to consume muddy and unsafe water, leading to potential health risks.
According to the VFC, a complaint was filed with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) on April 10, following which the Range Forest Officer (RFO) was directed to intervene and halt the ongoing illegal activity. However, before any enforcement action could be undertaken, heavy machinery used for the construction was removed from the site under suspicious circumstances late at night, allegedly around 10:40 PM. The VFC has interpreted this as a possible indication of an internal information leak or collusion.
Despite repeated follow-ups, the committee alleged a lack of cooperation from the RFO of the Poma Division Wildlife Sanctuary. Attempts to reach the officer, both officially and through personal communication, have reportedly failed. Meanwhile, it claimed that heavy construction machinery continues to operate in the Tago region, which remains in breach of forest protection laws.
Citing these developments, the committee submitted a formal representation to the governor on April 14, seeking urgent intervention.
The representation called for enforcement of the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, and immediate dismantling of the illegally built roads.
The VFC has made two core demands: the immediate removal of unauthorized roads between Chimi-Taipu and Ganga-Tago, and strict legal action against those responsible for violating environmental regulations. The committee also appealed to media outlets to bring public attention to the issue in order to prompt swift administrative response.
