Itanagar: The Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Arunachal Pradesh, has issued a formal clarification following widespread public outrage over the alleged unauthorized seizure of herbs, organic vegetables, and river fishes from the Itanagar market.
The controversy erupted after viral videos showed a Magistrate from the ICR District Administration, accompanied by police and two Forest Department staff, confiscating traditionally consumed items. The operation was reportedly prompted by Nabam Regum, Chairperson of the Papum Pare District Biodiversity Management Committee, drawing criticism for causing undue hardship to local vendors and communities.
In its official statement, the Department stated:
• No legal grounds exist under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to seize forest produce traditionally used by indigenous communities, such as herbs or organic vegetables.
• No prior approval was given by the Department for the seizure; an internal inquiry has been launched.
• The Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden of Itanagar Sanctuary Division must explain the role of the Forest Department personnel present during the incident.
• The Member Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board has been asked to submit a written clarification on Nabam Regum’s role and to prevent such unauthorized actions in the future.
The Department also clarified that none of the seized items fall under the Scheduled species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. These include Cycas beddomei, Vanda coerulea, Paphiopedilum spp., and Nepenthes khasiana — none of which were present in the market seizures.
Furthermore, in response to reports of Regum allegedly confiscating fish from markets claiming they were from protected rivers, the Department strongly denied authorizing such actions. While fishing inside Protected Areas is prohibited, traditional fishing in non-protected rivers is legal and vital for local sustenance.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to upholding both conservation laws and the traditional rights of indigenous communities. Strict action will be taken against any unauthorized or disruptive enforcement that misinterprets or misapplies environmental laws.
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