ITANAGAR, OCT 9:
The Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (EF&CC), Arunachal Pradesh, concluded the 72nd State-Level Wildlife Week celebrations (October 2–8) with a ceremony at the State Banquet Hall here on Friday.
2Observed under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, the event recognised conservation efforts and highlighted the need to protect the state’s rich biodiversity.
EF&CC Minister Wangki Lowang attended as the chief guest, while Advisor Wanglin Lowangdong was the guest of honour. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force Santosh Kumar, Additional PCCF Debendra Dalai and PCCF (Wildlife and Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden Samuel Changkija were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Wangki Lowang described wildlife as an integral part of Arunachal Pradesh’s natural heritage and called for coordinated efforts by forest officials and local communities to protect critical wildlife corridors. He also stressed the use of modern technology to address human-wildlife conflict. Wanglin Lowangdong lauded frontline personnel for their dedication and highlighted the traditional tribal ethos of coexistence with nature.
Pasighat Forest Division was adjudged the state’s best-performing forest division for its outreach initiatives, community mobilisation and field-level conservation efforts. The division also spearheaded renewed efforts under the Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan, which originated in Pasighat in 2021, with fresh voluntary surrenders of hunting weapons reported during the week. Khellong Forest Division and Kamlang Tiger Reserve received special mentions for habitat monitoring and community-based conservation.
Thirteen frontline personnel and officers received departmental commendation certificates for their service. The recipients included Dr Sorang Tadap of Biological Park, Itanagar; Tarh Najuk of Pakke Tiger Reserve; Jumbin Dini of Pasighat Forest Division; and Diwang Lowang of Deomali Forest Division, along with members of the community protection squad of Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve.
Specialised wildlife field kits were also distributed to frontline staff in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to support their field operations.
The programme featured a documentary on the hoolock gibbon rescue operation in Roing and the release of Orchids of Namdapha National Park, a scientific publication authored by Jambey Tsering and Tajum Yomcha. A presentation on “Wildlife Management in Arunachal Pradesh: Status and Vision” was also held.
The celebrations concluded with the administration of the Wildlife Pledge, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to wildlife conservation in the state.
