ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Village Forest Committee of Ganga-Chimi Panchayat has raised alarm over rampant illegal road construction and earth-cutting activities in ecologically sensitive catchment areas between Ganga to Tago and Chimi to Taipu villages. The committee claims that unauthorized development is destroying a century-old forest ecosystem, threatening local wildlife, and contaminating vital water sources used by villagers.
In a formal complaint submitted to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) on April 10, 2025, the committee reported the use of heavy machinery for road construction in the protected forest zones. The PCCF responded promptly, directing the Range Forest Officer (RFO) to halt the operations and seize the machinery. However, in a shocking turn of events, the equipment was allegedly removed from the site under suspicious circumstances at around 10:40 PM on the same night—before any official investigation could begin.
“This raises serious concerns about an information leak or collusion with vested interests,” stated the committee in a follow-up representation to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh dated April 14, 2025.
Despite repeated efforts, both written and verbal, to push for action from the Poma Division Wildlife Sanctuary’s RFO, the committee claims that no effective steps have been taken. They also report that the RFO has failed to respond to multiple calls and messages, while heavy machinery reportedly continues to operate in the Tago area in direct violation of forest protection laws.
According to the committee, the illegal activities have led to contamination of natural water sources, forcing villagers to drink muddy and unsafe water—posing a serious health risk to the local population.
The committee has further demanded immediate dismantling of illegally constructed roads in the Ganga-Chimi forest region, Strict legal action against individuals and entities involved, under the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Village Forest Committee has urged media houses and civil society to highlight the issue and pressure concerned authorities to take immediate corrective action.
“This is not just about a road—it’s about protecting our forest, our water, and our future,” the committee emphasized.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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