Arunachal Pradesh’s celebrated Nadi Utsav (River Festival) has been reimagined this year as a full-scale conservation event, moving away from its traditional focus on fishing activities. The state government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, has now turned the spotlight on reviving riverine ecosystems and protecting endangered freshwater species. As part of the revitalized festival, Mein led a massive fish fingerling release operation on Tuesday, symbolizing a critical step in the state’s aquatic restoration efforts. A total of 30,000 fingerlings were released into the Marua, Teang, and Namtenga rivers, featuring six species that include commercially vital Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, and Grass Carp, as well as the native species Labeo Gonius and Labeo Kalbasu.Of particular significance was the inclusion of endangered local species such as Pavi, Pahum, and Palao, whose dwindling numbers have raised concerns among environmentalists and local communities. The initiative reflects the state’s growing commitment to biodiversity protection, especially given Arunachal Pradesh’s designation as part of the world’s 12th biodiversity hotspot.
Addressing a large gathering of government officials, monks, students, and villagers, Deputy CM Mein emphasized the broader vision behind the renewed Nadi Utsav. “This is not just about fish. This is about our rivers, our forests, our biodiversity, and our future generations. Conservation must become a people’s movement,” he declared.The festival is now being positioned as a model for community-led conservation, aiming to reverse years of ecological decline caused by illegal fishing, unregulated waste disposal, and shrinking habitats. To back the efforts with enforcement, Mein announced the deployment of flying squads equipped with speedboats to patrol rivers and check illegal fishing and dumping. Those found violating environmental laws will face legal consequences, he warned.The conservation drive also included an awareness and tree-planting campaign under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Participants, including schoolchildren and local volunteers, were reminded of the close links between deforestation and river degradation. “A dying forest means a dying river. We must protect both,” Mein said, while encouraging youth involvement in ecological restoration.
Village heads and community leaders were tasked with mobilizing local youth groups to safeguard forests and rivers, signalling a bottom-up approach to environmental governance. In a notable move, Mein also linked the conservation push to the fight against drug abuse, urging young people to join the cause of environmental protection as a path to personal growth and social healing.“We are seeing the rise of substance abuse among our youth, and this is deeply worrying. Engaging them in meaningful, purpose-driven action like river conservation can offer a powerful alternative,” he said. The state will increase support for rehabilitation and de-addiction centres, and Mein appealed to senior Buddhist monks to mentor the youth, combining spiritual guidance with social activism. The event witnessed broad-based participation, reflecting its growing significance beyond politics or administration. MLA Zingnu Namchoom, Additional Deputy Commissioners Kalyani Namchoom and K. Tikhak, Superintendent of Police Sange Thinley, and revered monks including Venerable Dhammakitti from the Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha were present at the event. Local BJP leaders, headed by District President Ningroo Ong Maio, as well as PRI members and civil servants, also lent their support.
