Compliance report by Arunachal Pradesh on measures to offset the adverse impact of tourism activities on the environment, 10/10/2023
Compliance report on behalf of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in OA No 178 of 2022 (News item published in the Hindi dated February 27, 2022 titled 'Tourism has brought economic prosperity to the Himalayan region, but the environmental cost has been catastrophic').
The NGT had asked for a report from the Chief Secretaries of 12 states in Himalayan region as well as to the Secretary, Environment and Secretary, Tourism, Government of India for further action. As regards the environmental safeguards for the protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh, the state government has already notified Eco Sensitive zones (ESZ) for the Mouling National Park. Dibang wildlife sanctuary and Kane wildlife sanctuary are already notified. For the remaining protected areas, the ESZ proposals are under submission to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for consideration of issuing final notification in five cases. The process for notification of ESZ has been progressing.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh further submits that the tourist footfall in the state is regulated and constantly monitored due to the mandatory mechanisms of issuing 'inner-line permits' to non-indigenous people who wish to visit the state.
The state government has taken significant steps towards solid and liquid waste management. Arunachal Pradesh has been implementing projects for the construction of material recovery facilities (MRF) in thirteen towns. Sewage treatment plants are being set up at Chimpu, Itanagar (Yagamso river), Nabharlagun, Pasighat and Namsai under various schemes. Besides, action plans have been prepared to bridge gaps in waste management and are under implementation. In addition, the environmental issues are also identified for mitigation at local level through the District Environmental Plans prepared by the Deputy Commissioners of the districts.
Note: The report of October 10, 2023 was uploaded to the NGT site, April 2, 2024