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Eco-tourism festival held | Festival boast Arunachal sustainable eco-tourism

Eco-tourism festival held | Festival boast Arunachal sustainable eco-tourism

By A O News Service

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Arunachal Pradesh, spread in total geographical area of 83,743 sqkm, including 80% (83,743 sqkm) forest cover, largest in India, besides being home to a wide range of vegetation, including tropical, subtropical, temperate broad-leaved, temperate coniferous, sub-alpine, and alpine forests, diverse wildlife, with over 500 varieties of fauna and over 650 bird species, to be considered one of the 12 biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Of late, the indigenous people have become conscious of their rich natural heritage and making all out efforts for their protection and conservation, making the days of wanton destruction of forest a passé.

A two-day eco-tourism and angling festival aimed at preserving local ecosystems concluded in Darak of West Siang district on Sunday. The event, sponsored by local legislator Pesi Jilen, drew attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation in the face of destructive impacts of climate change.

The third edition of the festival brought together environmental enthusiasts, anglers and local community members while the organisers emphasised the importance of maintaining ecological balance to combat global warming and protect biodiversity in the region.

Lawmaker Jilen, in his inaugural address, had urged the local people to abandon harmful fishing practices, particularly the use of explosives, to protect fish populations and attract international anglers. The Sibu and Siik Rivers in Darak are home to the endangered Golden Mahseer, a prized game fish, he cautioned.

Lodu Ao Welfare Society president Lava Potom earlier lauded MLA Jilen’s for his vision in promoting rural tourism while preserving the environment. The legislator has pledged to make the festival an annual event recognised by the state government.

Total 37 anglers despite challenging weather conditions participated in the competition. Mindak Karcho and Babom Bogo Poyom emerged as winners in the male and female categories respectively.

It may be recalled here that two-day 6th edition of Siang-Simang angling festival aimed a conservation of Mahseers and generate employment opportunities for local youth had concluded at Siang-Simang River confluence at Boleng under Siang district on August 25 last. Messenger Share via Email

Local MLA-cum-RD, PR, Coop & Transport Minister Ojing Tasing, tourism director Kesang N. Damo and Mebo MLA-cum-Union Tourism Ministry  National Tourism Advisory Council Member Oken Tayeng were  chief guest, guest of honour and special guest  respectively.

The awards were given away to the winners of festival – Dorzon Mugli (1st) Rs. 1 lakh, Manya Basar (2nd)   Rs. 50,000 and Gedo Basar (3rd) Rs. 20,000 with citation each for catching Golden Mahseer of 4.5 KG, 4.2 KG and 2.5 KG respectively on 1st day.

On second day, Moji Riram (2nd) for catching Golden Mahseer weighing 1.8 KG, Atan Ketan (2nd) and fastest catch for catching two Chocolate Mahseers of 700 grams and 600 grams, C. Rickey Wangham, Obang Gammeng and Khanwang Arangham received consolidation prizes for catching Golden Mahseers of 300, 200 and 100 grams respectively.

Angling competition winners were also given fishing gear from India’s best ethical angler by Pelagic Tribe CEO-cum-All India Game Fishing Association vice president Derek D’Souza as motivation and encouragement in presence of Siang DC P.N. Tungon and other dignitaries.

The angling festival was organized by Dosing Social Social Welfare Society Youth Wing (DSWS-YW), set up in 1982 with HQ at at Dosing village, some 12-km from district HQs Boleng. The organizing committee was led by chairman Taki Tabi, president Kangkiram Tapak and general secretary Jony Mibang.

Simang-Siang confluence is among the finest and least explored Mahseer destinations in the state. The confluence of mighty Siang which is glacial-fed river and crystal clear Simang is a perfect set up for anglers targeting a majestic and sporty Mahseer. Due to the confluence of glacial and spring water, the confluence has resident fish throughout the river.

Congratulating the winners, Minister Tasing said that Pangin-Boleng area was naturally god-gifted and every effort was being made from his and state government’s end to provide every communication accessibility and better facilities to increase tourist flow in the area. However, Tasing said that due to the change in water course and decrease in water volume at this current season, there was less number of fish caught this year.

He said that the confluence was the best spots for fishing and also had the capacity to attract lots of tourists with a wide range of water sports and camping activities. This angling festival not only manifests conservation of Mahseers, but it also generates employment opportunities for the local youth.


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