Yingkiong: Arunachal Pradesh forest and environment minister Mama Natung on Thursday called upon the wildlife hunters of the state to stop looking at birds and animals as a source of meat and instead join the government’s ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ in protecting them.
“We need to change our mindset of looking at birds and animals only as a source of meat as hunting isn’t a necessity in today’s date. We also need to understand the important role that wildlife play in balancing the environment,” Natung said.
The minister was addressing a gathering on the sidelines of the ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ programme at the multi-purpose community hall here.
The ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ is an initiative of the state government to dissuade hunting and create awareness on the ill-effects of killing wildlife. More than 2000 air guns have been surrendered by the people of the state under the initiative so far.
Air guns are commonly used by people to hunt birds.
Natung on the occasion also thanked the 285 locals of the Upper Siang district who surrendered their airguns on the day.
Echoing Natung, health and family welfare minister Alo Libang also stressed on the importance of maintaining the ecological balance and the need to preserve and protect the faunal biodiversity of the district for the next generations.
He also stressed on the tourism potential of the district and such conservational efforts which would help the same.
Among others, Mariaang-Geku MLA Kanggong Taku, Upper Siang deputy commissioner Taper Pada, superintendent of police Jummar Basar, ZPC Lumgeng Litin, HoDs, and PRI members were present in the event organized by the forest and environment department.
