Maiden birding meet begins at Doimara in West Kameng

DOIMARA: The first of its kind 'birding meet' kicked-off at the foothills of the Eaglenest Bird Sanctuary at Doimara village in West Kameng on January 31.

Organized by the APACETS (Arunachal Pradesh Art & Culture Eco-Tourism Society) with support from the State Tourism department, the festival is aimed at bringing greater awareness about wildlife conservation in the areas bordering Assam.

Known for the 'Bugun Liocichla' bird that was discovered here in 2006, the sanctuary is home to 455 species of birds. The 'Bugun Liocichla' has so far been found to live only in this sanctuary.

Former Minister and Chairman of the organizing committee, D.K. Thongdok said that it is important to maintain the balance of nature and relationships between the people that live around the area.

The formal opening day witnessed cultural performances from various ethnic groups living in and around the area, including the Sherdukpen, and Assamese, Bodo, and Gurkha of Assam.

Advisor to the State Tourism department and Thrizino-Buragaon MLA, Kumsi Sidisow said that it is important to maintain cordial relationships amongst neighbouring communities apart from taking care of the environment around them.

Sidisow also said that the State and its foothill areas adjacent to Assam have a lot of potential to harness tourism and they must be promoted.

Tourism Minister Mama Natung said that the State has a lot of potential not just in bird exploration but in many other avenues as well. He added that the State government is "always willing to cooperate in such efforts".

He also expressed his gratitude to the Sherdukpen and Bugun communities for their conservation work. " I appeal to the community is to continue the conservation work," he said.

Natung also said that the North East region is the "lungs of the world" and that Arunachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in providing clean air globally, thanks to its large forest cover.