Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has pledged swift action to address illegal encroachments in the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) following concerns raised by Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering.
The encroachments, reportedly involving individuals from neighboring Assam, include unauthorized cattle grazing, construction of sheds, and cultivation activities, posing a serious threat to the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem.
Acknowledging the issue, Khandu assured, “I will soon take up the matter with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to resolve this concern.” He further confirmed receiving a detailed letter from MLA Ering and has directed the East Siang District Deputy Commissioner to investigate and submit a comprehensive report.
Ering, a vocal advocate for the sanctuary’s preservation, expressed alarm over the growing encroachments. In letters addressed to the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, he highlighted violations of agreements made during inter-state boundary discussions in January 2023, which aimed to prevent new settlements. “Officials from Assam have permitted cattle sheds and cultivation within the sanctuary, causing distress among sanctuary staff and local villagers,” Ering stated.
The MLA emphasized the importance of deploying forest officials from both states to protect the sanctuary’s ecological integrity. He warned that unchecked activities could mirror the fate of the Gali Reserve Forest, which was converted into villages by encroachers from Assam. Joint efforts, he asserted, are critical to preserving the sanctuary for future generations.
The D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the river islands of the Siang/Brahmaputra, is a vital ecological and historical site. Named after the late Dr. Daying Ering, a revered leader in Arunachal Pradesh’s modern history, the sanctuary has faced persistent threats from encroachment. Ninong Ering, the late leader’s son, has consistently advocated for its protection, including appeals to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (EFCC).
In March 2023, Ering sought intervention from Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to address illegal settlements in the Siboguri region of the sanctuary. Ministerial directives led to the clearance of encroachments after monsoon floods submerged parts of the area.
The adjacent Poba Forest Range in Assam was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in August 2024, offering hope for coordinated conservation efforts. The interconnected ecosystems of D. Ering WLS, Poba Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dibru Saikhowa National Park underline the region’s ecological significance.
Conservationists are optimistic that collaboration between the Arunachal and Assam governments will strengthen measures to curb encroachments and safeguard the sanctuary. Joint initiatives, they believe, will ensure the long-term protection of this critical habitat, benefiting both local communities and wildlife.