Almost everyone likes trees for one reason or another. No matter what the reason - aesthetics, financial or sentimental - a tree is a valuable asset. In this last decade of the 20th century, trees have once again attained a position of prominence, not so much for the products derived from them, but from the non-consumptive benefits they provide. Trees use carbon dioxide, the gas associated with global warming and the “Greenhouse Effect,” and give off oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They act as buffers, filtering out harmful sediment and nutrients before they enter water bodies. A house without trees is unprotected from summer heat, appears unbalanced and suggests a lack of interest on the part of those who live in it. A state without trees would be a barren and desolate place in which to live. A world without trees would, quite literally, be an impossible place in which to live.

But for the state of Arunachal Pradesh with 80% of forest cover, the discovery of largest tree in Kellak village of East Siang district is yet another milestone as the forest cover help not only sustain life but act as  filter to eliminate the carbon dioxide from environment.

In a simple yet glittering function hosted by Raj Bhawan at Itanagar, Governor, J. J. Singh who always believed for ‘Clean and Green Arunachal’ had earlier announced for discovering the largest tree in shape, size and height in the state gave away the cash award to a big tree hunter, Takom Tamuk of Kallek Village for discovering the largest tree of the state.

Along with Tamuk, Rai Yayer of Nirjuli also received the cash award for locating the second largest tree under the category Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) at Kankar Nallah, Nirjuli under Banderdewa Forest Division.

The Governor while giving away the awards expressed hope that these trees would be huge attraction for tourists and even for local people. “They will also work as deterrent to those who practice jhum cultivation and help in preservation of our pristine environment,” he said.

A Raj Bhawan communiqué stated that a total of thirty-seven proposals were received from all over the state, which was put to scrutiny through a technical committee. Trees were short-listed based on the reported girth of the trunk. Short-listed trees were physically verified by forest officials and the species were confirmed by scientist. The health of the trees and the species were also considered for relative positioning of the trees.

With an aim to create awareness among masses on the need to save environment as well as to add other tourist spots in the state, Governor J.J. Singh had announced and called for locating the largest tree in shape, size and height in the state.

The largest tree discovered by Takom Tamuk of Kallek Village  is an Indian Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) locally known as “Atang Ane” and was located near remote Kallek Village of Yingkiong Forest Division under Ke

Kallek is a Village in Pangin Tehsil in East Siang District in Arunachal Pradesh State in India . Kallek is 19.2 km distance from its District Main City Pasighat . And 179 km distance from its State Main City Itanagar.

The giant tree (Atang Ane) is situated in a sub-tropical forest range of 280 05’51.7" north latitude and 950 09’ 28.1" east longitudes. Its elevation is measured upto 648 meter (AMSL).

Situated in the northern side of Kallek Village, one can visit the tree after having three hours foot march from motorable road.  

“The ‘Atang Ane’ was planted by late Sibeng Tamuk to obtain rubber from it during the time of practicing jhum cultivation in the area and it is believe that the sapling of the tree might have brought from nearby Burma (now Myanmar) by him”, the HGB said.

The tree may grow larger in coming days as its growth rate is very fast as we are witnessing it since our childhood, asserted one Tagom Darang in his mid-60s.

“If properly taken care and link a porter track towards the tree, it will become one of the hotspot for tourist in the state”, said Dr Tajir Tamuk, a native of Kallek Village serving as an orthopedic surgeon at Dibrugarh based Aditya Diagnostics & Hospital.

Dr Tamuk also informed that an aged old bat cave too is situated just nearby the giant tree and if it is explored, this too will become a hotspot for tourist in the area.

If you are a nature lover or not, stimulate interest in and a greater appreciation of trees - their worth as a natural resource and as individual specimens. Plan a trip to this exotic land of remote Kallek Village of Yingkiong Forest Division under Kebang circle of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh where you can have the glimpse of breathe taking, stunning, and a reminder of how small we are and how great creation is. . Take time to sit and gaze at this marvel of nature.
 
Words - even pictures - fall short in capturing its stately presence. Photographs don’t do them justice. There’s no substitute for seeing them firsthand in the field. Life without trees is no life at all. A world without trees is absolutely uninhabitable. Plants and animals, humans alike, are contingent on healthy forests and trees. You can’t say that the other way around. They are life-sustaining is what they are. There is no perfect time to make an appointment to enjoy the splendor of this beautiful and largest tree of the state. Be sure keep your eyes peeled for giants — especially any particularly large Indian Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) locally known as “Atang Ane”. Maybe an observant citizen will discover the next champion in his or her own backyard.

That is, if Takom Tamuk of Kallek Village doesn’t find it first.