In the last few years Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a massive surge in construction activities which call for large-scale destruction of forests. Highways, dams, PMGSY roads, advanced landing grounds (ALG), airports, etc – construction work is going on almost everywhere. Unfortunately, while executing these projects, environmental issues are never given any importance. Now, for the first time, an NGO – the North East Human Rights Organization (NEHRO) – has accused the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) of violating environmental laws while executing the two-lane Hunli-Anini road. In this regard they have written a complaint letter to the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF).
It will be interesting to see what the outcome of this complaint will be. But this is just the tip of the iceberg and there are several such violations which go unnoticed. The environment & forests department has been found wanting on many occasions. Their failure to strictly enforce the laid-down norms is the main reason for the rampant violation of environment laws by the construction agencies. It’s time the state government took environmental pollution more seriously. Arunachal Pradesh has been abundantly blessed by nature. These precious resources have to be properly protected. The development of the state should not come at the cost of destruction of nature. There needs to be a proper balance, and for this purpose the environment & forests department will have to play an important role.