Itanagar, March 19: The rampant logging at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve has caused significant damage to the biodiversity of the area. To combat this issue, the forest department of Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh has taken strict measures. All wood-based industries in the district have been sealed, and a committee has been formed to investigate and check the wood-based industries.

Local residents allege that timber smugglers are using modern machines to cut down the trees in the National Park, and the logs are taken to sawmills for cutting and then transported to other areas for sale. As a result, the greenery has been lost, and most areas of the park have become clear due to chopping down of trees.

To address this issue, the forest department has lodged an FIR in Miao and requested the police to investigate the cases of large-scale illegalities, including encroachment, and book the culprits as per law. Eight people have been arrested in connection with timber smuggling, but two others, who are allegedly the kingpins of timber smuggling, are still absconding.

A joint team of the forest department and district administration discovered the road built by the smugglers and the rampant smuggling of timber inside Namdapha. To prevent further damage, the administration directed forest officials to ensure strict monitoring of all suspected areas adjoining Namdapha and take stringent action against smugglers.

It is believed that some corrupt forest officials are involved with the timber smugglers and operating the entire business. Thus, sources have suggested that these officials should be immediately booked under law. The forest department has taken significant steps to prevent any further destruction of the environment and biodiversity of the area.