Redefining the river festival where fishing is replaced by release of fingerlings, Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein launched the Nadi Utsav 2025 at Namsai today in a bit to conserve aquatic life and restore fish populations in the river systems. As part of the initiative, 30,000 fingerlings of various fish species including Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Grass Carp, Labeo Gonius, and Labeo Kalbasu were released into the Marua, Teang, and Namtenga rivers.

The release also included endangered local freshwater species such as Pavi, Pahum, and Palao, with the goal of restoring their populations in the riverine ecosystem.

Awareness campaign was also held to create awareness about the importance of conserving environment and restoring the aquatic life to the masses.

On the occasion, tree saplings were also planted as a part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in a bit to make our environment more greenery.

Addressing the gathering, Mein said that the ‘Nadi Utsav’ is being observed to restore fish populations in the rivers and said to extend the initiative to more rivers and areas in the upcoming phase. He called upon the village heads and community leaders to spearhead the conservation movement and deploy youths to guard the forest and rivers from illegal hunting and rampant fishing in order to protect the rich flora & fauna and aquatic life.

He further called to preserve the river sites and keep it clean. Taking serious note of the conservation effort, he warned that any body found throwing garbage in the river site and illegal fishing will be taken into task and action will be initiated against the defaulter as per the law. He said that Flying Squad will be deployed to check the illegal fishing along the rivers and speed boat will be provided to facilitate 24X7 checking. He further said that Arunachal Pradesh comes under the 12th – biodiversity hotspot of the world and we must strive to conserve it.

He further called upon the youths to abstain from drugs and engaged themselves in the meaningful activities. He assured that support will be extended to Drug De-addiction Centres and Rehabilitation Centre and requested the Monks to extend their help in fight against drug menace and guiding the youths in right direction.

Mein expressed optimism about the collective efforts to conserve aquatic life and the environment, stating that the united action and community involvement would lead to the revival of the rivers’ biodiversity in the near future.

The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from community leaders and people of all ages, HoDs, PRI members, party karyakartas and govt officials despite the scorching heat.

The Campaign was joined by MLA Namsai, Zingnu Namchoom, ZPC Nang Urmila Mancheykhun, ADC Namsai Kalyani Namchoom, ADC Chongkham K Tikhak, SP Sange Thinley, President of Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha Ven. Dhammakitti, Head Monk of Kongmu Kham Ven. Vimalatissa, Monks, HoDs, ZPMs, BJP karyakartas led by District President, Ningroo Ong Maio, and others.