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ITANAGAR: Two people from Arunachal Pradesh have been honoured with the Bhagirath Prayas Samman (BPS) award for exemplary contributions to river conservation. The award was given at the tenth edition of India Rivers Week, hosted at the BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune. The annual Bhagirath Prayas Samman (BPS) award, acknowledging unsung heroes in river conservation, was jointly conferred upon Bhanu Tatak and Dibang Resistance, both instrumental in the conservation efforts of the Dibang river basin in the northeastern state.
The award ceremony held on November 25 marked a momentous occasion for Arunachal Pradesh, recognising the state’s pivotal role in safeguarding the rich ecosystems and cultures of the upper Brahmaputra River, official sources informed on Monday. The citation for the BPS award underscored the critical significance of the Dibang River and its tributaries in supporting one of India’s most biodiverse landscapes. Arunachal’s indigenous communities and their enduring relationship with these waterways have been crucial in sustaining downstream prosperity and well-being in the valleys of Assam for centuries, the sources said.
Dibang Resistance was lauded for its relentless efforts, particularly in opposing the threat posed by mega hydropower dams proposed on the Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Tatak, acknowledged as the voice of Dibang, received praise for leveraging artistic and research skills in the fight for transparency and community control over projects that could potentially harm local communities and their ecology. The recognition celebrates the heroic persistence of the Dibang Resistance and the inspiring dedication of Bhanu Tatak, putting Arunachal Pradesh at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to protect its vital water resources. The jury, comprising distinguished individuals in the field, recognised and celebrated Arunachal Pradesh’s significant role in shaping the narrative of river conservation in India.
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