26th Jan 2022 12:01:AM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

The Deputy Commissioner, Upper Siang District, appealing the people to stop indiscriminate practice of hunting ahead of Aran festival is much needed and hopefully one that sparks an earnest debate on conservation.
During the Aran festival, community hunting is undertaken which over the years has raised much concern as the  state continues to witness dwindling wildlife.
For generations the indigenous community has been hunting; hunting is a community practice steeped in culture and traditions. While our forefathers had great reverence for nature and  environmental sense and resorted to hunting only during a particular season, or for sustenance with locally made weapons, the introduction of technology which brought air guns and rifles has turned the narrative. When we talk about conservation, we must also encompass our rivers where aquatic life is under great distress due to overfishing resulting in depletion of riverine ecosystem.
Two factors are largely responsible for the dwindling wildlife of the state; the loss of natural habitat and two, the rampant hunting taking place. In the past, wildlife was a source of sustenance but now hunting has taken the form of a serious problem due to its commercialization. Wildlife is hunted indiscriminately for the markets thus putting them under tremendous strain. 
Lack of implementation of stringent laws in protecting wildlife has further emboldened offenders.
 Community participation is vital for conservation efforts to taste success. Authorities need to reach out to people by roping in   community based organisations to spread awareness on the role played by wildlife and the importance of conservation. With its rich faunal diversity, Arunachal is an attractive destination for eco tourism and this point must be conveyed to the people and the government must also work along this line.
The authorities have a tightrope to walk as they have to deal with traditions vis a vis conservation. However, with good communication it is possible to sensitise people on the need to stop indiscriminate and unabated practice of hunting in the name of tradition and culture to protect and conserve wildlife for posterity. 
 


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List