Pasighat: In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Aohali village in Arunachal Pradesh‘s East Siang district has declared itself a zero hunting zone.
The declaration was made in the presence of Sibo Passing, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mebo, and representatives from the Idu Mishmi Cultural & Literary Society (IMCLS).
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The villagers of Aohali have pledged to abstain from all forms of hunting and trapping within their village jurisdiction.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the alarming decline in wildlife population due to rampant hunting practices in the region.
Dr. Ista Pulu and Er. Ere Linggi, president and general secretary of IMCLS respectively, emphasized the traditional reverence for nature among the Idu Mishmi people.
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While acknowledging the community’s historical harmony with wildlife, they expressed deep concern over the recent surge in hunting activities.
Sunary Umbrey, the village head, and Dinesh Mepola, the village secretary, appealed for community support in preserving not only wildlife but also the rapidly depleting forests.
They urged the forest and wildlife department to extend necessary assistance to the village in its conservation efforts.
ADC Mebo, Sibo Passing, lauded the villagers’ initiative and highlighted the detrimental impact of hunting on both the environment and human life.
He cited examples from his own community to underscore the dangers associated with hunting. Passing assured the village of full administrative support.
Aohali village, the sole Idu Mishmi settlement in East Siang, is located on the border with Lower Dibang Valley district. Despite its small population of around 216 people, the village has taken a bold step towards wildlife conservation.
With this declaration, Aohali is believed to be the first village in the state, and possibly in the entire country, to officially adopt a zero hunting policy. The initiative is expected to set a precedent for other communities to follow suit.