First English–Apatani Bird Pocket Guide of Ziro Valley Unveiled on 40th Statehood Day

 

Ziro, February 21, 2026
Marking the 40th Statehood Day celebrations, the Hapoli Forest Division, in collaboration with the Birding Club, Ziro, released the region’s first bilingual English–Apatani pocket guide documenting 119 bird species found in Ziro Valley.

The guide was unveiled by MLA Hage Apa, representing the 17th Ziro-Hapoli Assembly Constituency, during the Statehood Day celebrations held at the District Secretariat. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, ZPC Hibu Dumi, former minister Tage Taki, Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Taker, heads of departments, ZPMs, and members of the public.

Published by the Hapoli Forest Division under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club, Ngunu Ziro, and Ziro Bird Walk, the pocket guide represents the second major effort to document the valley’s avifauna. It follows the 2022 coffee table book Birds of Ziro, which first showcased the rich bird diversity of the valley.

The pocket guide aims to promote wildlife conservation awareness while supporting the preservation of the Apatani language. Officials stated that the publication is designed as a compact and accessible resource for bird enthusiasts, students, and local communities, encouraging responsible nature appreciation through education and community participation.

Diibo Adult Education Initiative Concludes; Certificates Presented to 18 Learners

Ziro, February 15, 2026

The third edition of the Adult Basic English course at Diibo in Lower Subansiri district concluded with its final examination on 8 February 2026. The progress report card distribution ceremony was later held on 15 February, where local MLA Er. Hage Appa presented certificates to all 18 learners who appeared for the examination and successfully passed.

The course, which has been running since July 2022, is voluntarily organised under the banner of the Diibo Gaon Bura Buri Association. The programme is facilitated by volunteer teachers Hano Usha and Dulley Yaring, aiming to strengthen basic English skills among adult learners in the area.

Certificate recipients with MLA Hage Appa.

Notably, in November 2025, as part of the adult education initiative, a six-day education-cum-exposure tour was organised under the Diibo Gaon Bura Buri banner. During the tour, participants visited several locations across eastern Arunachal Pradesh, including Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Silluk village and Pasighat in East Siang district, as well as Seajuli and Gogamukh in Assam, where they participated in a cultural exchange programme with the Mising community.