Forest Advisory Committe recommends diversion of 570 hectares of forest land for army

NEW DELHI: A key green panel, Forest Advisory Committee, has suggested allowing the diversion of nearly 570 hectares of forest land for the Indian Army's use in Arunachal Pradesh, a move that will help the defence establishment set up key infrastructure in the sensitive state bordering China.

The Indian Army had sought the diversion of 566.58 hectares of forest land in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh to set up an ammunition point. The Army had given an assurance that not all the trees in the area will be felled. About 180 hectares of the total area will be built upon. The rest will be left untouched for "better camouflaging and concealment of the ammunition point." The Army has assured that felling of trees will be limited to the area required for road network and magazines and will be carried out under the supervision of forest officials.

The proposal also stated that the Army would take up forestation in 567 hectares of degraded areas of the Ditchu Reserve Forests in the Anjaw district in the state, in lieu of the diverted forest area. The Forest Advisory Committee has said that in keeping with the law and rules of forest conservation, the Indian Army will, like all other project developers, have to undertake compensatory afforestation in double the area diverted to it. The Committee said that since the project is being undertaken in a large forested area, there will be significant impact of wildlife in the area. To ensure better conservation of wildlife in the area, the Army has been asked to plant local trees and shrubs in the open areas.

Earlier this year, the forest clearance panel green-lighted the diversion of more than 200 hectares of forest land in the state for setting up an infantry battalion, artillery regiment and its headquarters, a surveillance and target acquisition unit, a helipad besides constructing vital roads for speedy mobilisation.