Itanagar, March 12, 2026:
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has constituted a committee to undertake a comprehensive examination of the increasing incidents of human–wildlife conflict across the state and recommend measures aimed at strengthening wildlife protection and improving conflict mitigation strategies.
Announcing the decision in the House on Wednesday, the Speaker informed that senior BJP MLA Wanglin Lowangdong will serve as the chairman of the committee. The panel comprises Congress MLA Kumar Waii and BJP legislators Dr. Mohesh Chai, Topin Ete, and Tsering Lhamu as members, while the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the state will function as the member secretary.
The committee has been mandated to conduct a detailed assessment of the issue and submit its report within a period of three months.
The formation of the committee follows concerns raised by Congress MLA Kumar Waii through a Private Member’s Resolution, in which he called for the formulation of a comprehensive and structured policy framework to effectively address the growing instances of human–wildlife conflict in Arunachal Pradesh.
During the discussion, Waii emphasized that the issue extends beyond wildlife attacks on humans and also involves increasing human interference in wildlife habitats. He noted that hunting of wild animals and birds for consumption as well as for commercial purposes continues to pose a serious threat to biodiversity in the state.
While appreciating the Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan initiated in March 2021 by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mama Natung, Waii observed that despite the success of the campaign in encouraging citizens to voluntarily surrender air guns, illegal hunting and exploitation of wildlife persist in certain areas. He further pointed out that the continued presence of wild animal meat in some local markets reflects the ongoing challenges in ensuring effective wildlife protection and enforcement.
The issue has gained renewed urgency in recent months following several tragic wildlife-related incidents reported from different parts of the state. In February this year, Assistant Sub-Inspector Martin Lego of Sunpura Police Station lost his life in a wild elephant attack near the Lohit riverbank in Lohit district. In another incident during the same month, police head constable Chikseng Manpung was killed in a tiger attack near Mayudia along the Roing–Anini road in Lower Dibang Valley district.
Members of the Assembly noted that such incidents highlight the pressing need for a balanced and coordinated strategy that addresses both wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities. The committee is expected to examine the underlying causes of these conflicts, review existing policies and mechanisms, and recommend practical measures to reduce human–wildlife interactions while ensuring the long-term protection of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity.
