East Siang, March 1, 2026:
In a move aimed at reinforcing community-led wildlife protection, 43 gaon burahs (GBs) from Ruksin Subdivision in East Siang district have embarked on an exposure tour to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
The team was flagged off on Sunday morning by Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering in the presence of Ruksin ADC Kiran Ningo at Ruksin Gate. The initiative, sponsored by the MLA, seeks to sensitise traditional village leaders to the urgency of wildlife conservation.
Addressing the GBs before their departure, Ering underscored the responsibility of grassroots leaders in curbing rampant hunting, particularly during community festivals. He urged them to mobilise villagers and promote awareness on the ecological and legal implications of indiscriminate hunting.
During their visit, the GBs will observe wildlife habitats and animal movement patterns in Kaziranga and interact with experts to understand best practices in biodiversity conservation. Special focus will be placed on strategies to mitigate man-animal conflict, a growing concern in areas bordering Assam.
Ering noted that similar exposure programmes could be extended to other interested groups to encourage sustainable use of forest resources and develop eco-tourism potential in their regions.
The study tour assumes added significance as it coincides with ‘Unying Aran’, the traditional hunting festival of the Adi tribe, and is being viewed as a constructive step towards promoting conservation awareness in inter-state boundary areas.
