Itanagar: A wave of protests and public anger has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital following a controversial crackdown at Gandhi Market on April 8, where forest officials seized bundles of wild herbs and forest vegetables from local women vendors, citing biodiversity regulations. The move, which has disrupted livelihoods and stirred debate over indigenous rights, has left the affected vendors and citizens demanding answers.
The items confiscated included wild banana flowers (Musa balbisiana), Indian prickly ash (Zanthoxylum rhetsa), and aromatic litsea (Litsea cubeba) — none of which are endangered. All are categorized as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List and are widely consumed in tribal households for both culinary and medicinal purposes. For the women selling them, these herbs represent not just tradition, but daily sustenance.
Vendors at the market expressed deep frustration and emotional distress over what they describe as an arbitrary and humiliating action. “These herbs are part of our tradition and livelihood,” said one elderly woman. “If there’s a ban, tell us. Don’t treat us like criminals.” Another vendor, Yapung Rigia, broke down in tears, questioning how her family would survive if her only source of income was taken away. “Either let us sell or give us government jobs!” she pleaded.
The operation reportedly followed concerns raised by the Papum Pare Biodiversity Management Committee over illegal wildlife trade and unregulated forest product sales. It was allegedly backed by a Deputy Commissioner’s order dated March 27. However, the Forest Department has since denied issuing any directive to seize the herbs, exposing a breakdown in coordination between authorities and raising serious concerns about due process.
Legal experts argue that the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 does not prohibit the sale of non-endangered forest products, particularly when harvested sustainably from jhum or private lands. The Act is designed to regulate, not criminalize, traditional livelihoods — a nuance that seems to have been lost in this case.
The incident has ignited online criticism, with citizens and activists condemning what they see as a clampdown on cultural practices under the guise of biodiversity protection. Many are calling for clearer regulations, better communication with communities, and greater respect for indigenous knowledge systems.
As tensions simmer, the vendors of Gandhi Market are not just fighting for their right to sell herbs — they are demanding recognition of their heritage, protection of their livelihoods, and a governance approach that understands the roots before pulling them up.
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