In a landmark decision, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) has directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to initiate immediateaction to stop illegal logging in the state.

The NGT's direction came after hearing a case filedby Jorjo Tana Tara, a resident of Seijosa, pertaining to illegal loggingreported in Papum forest under the Khellong forest division.

A bench comprising Justice SP Wangdi and Expertmembers such as Dr. Satyawan Singh Garbyal, Principal Chief Conservator ofForests, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, DFO (KhellongDivision) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority directed the stategovernment to act against the ongoing illegal logging.

It has also been directed by the NGT to identify thehotspots of the state where illegal felling of trees and deforestation aretaking place. It further directed to constitute a high-level committee headedby the Chief Secretary to put into action within a month.

The NGT further asked to enhance the strength of theforest personnel in the state at all levels considering the size of the hugetract of forest land that plays the role of a carbon sink and is considered thelungs of the country.

The NGT also said that urgent steps are required toconserve and further nurture the natural setting of the state.  

However, the direction of NGT is not only confinedto Papum Reserve Forest but for the entire state.