• Declaration of Digaru as Reserved Forest - The Digaru area in Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh, has been officially declared as a Reserved Forest through notifications dated 08.06.1971 and amended on 06.04.1998, under the powers conferred by the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, adopted by Arunachal Pradesh ["Sohilum Manyu, S/o Lt. L. Manyu VS State of AP, Represented through Public Prosecutor - Gauhati"].
• Legal Basis and Notifications - The Arunachal Pradesh government has issued multiple notifications under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, to constitute Reserved Forests, including the Digaru Reserve Forest and Pasighat Station Reserve Forest. These notifications specify the boundaries and declare the areas as Reserved Forests, following proper legal procedures ["Sohilum Manyu, S/o Lt. L. Manyu VS State of AP, Represented through Public Prosecutor - Gauhati"], ["Adi Bomong Miku W/O Late Nati Miku VS State of AP Represented By The Chief Secretary - Gauhati"], ["Divisional Forest Officer North Kheri VS Surjan Singh - Allahabad"].
• Legal Challenges and Clarifications - Some disputes have arisen regarding the status of certain lands, such as the Pasighat Reserve Forest (398 acres), with authorities asserting it is a Reserved Forest, while others contest its classification. The courts have directed forest authorities to investigate grievances and ensure compliance with legal procedures ["Masong Pada S/o Late Tatem Pada VS State of Arunachal Pradesh - Gauhati"], ["Sohilum Manyu, S/o Lt. L. Manyu VS State of AP, Represented through Public Prosecutor - Gauhati"], ["Mukesh Deori Son of Shri Hiteswar Deori vs State of AP - Gauhati"].
• Protection and Enforcement - Orders have been issued to prevent illegal encroachment, illegal tree cutting, and unauthorized activities within Digaru and other Reserved Forests. The Forest Department is tasked with monitoring and taking remedial action in accordance with law ["SRI TECHGELUM KORA VS - National Green Tribunal"], ["Mukesh Deori Son of Shri Hiteswar Deori vs State of AP - Gauhati"].
• Legal Framework for Reserve Forests - The process for declaring land as Reserved Forest involves publication of notifications in official gazettes, specifying the boundaries and the date from which the area is deemed reserved. The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Act, 1975, and the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, provide the legal basis for these declarations ["Divisional Forest Officer North Kheri VS Surjan Singh - Allahabad"], ["Adi Bomong Miku W/O Late Nati Miku VS State of AP Represented By The Chief Secretary - Gauhati"], ["Sohilum Manyu, S/o Lt. L. Manyu VS State of AP, Represented through Public Prosecutor - Gauhati"].
• Recent Developments - Notifications like the one dated 31.08.2023 regarding ex-gratia relief for rights holders in forest areas indicate ongoing administrative measures related to Reserved Forests, including clarifications that certain lands do not fall under Reserved Forests, and addressing rights of local inhabitants ["Arunachal Primitive Tribal Forest Dwellers Forum and 4 Ors through vs The State of AP and 6 Ors - Gauhati"], ["Durga Tana and 98 Ors vs The State of AP and 6 Ors - Gauhati"].

Analysis and ConclusionThe Arunachal Pradesh Gazette has officially declared Digaru and other areas as Reserved Forests through formal notifications under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, which the state adopted. These notifications establish legal boundaries and confer protection status, although disputes and encroachments occasionally arise, prompting judicial and administrative interventions. The legal process involves publishing detailed notifications in gazettes, specifying boundaries, and following prescribed procedures, ensuring the proper management and conservation of forest resources in Arunachal Pradesh.