Bandh called against March 27 public hearing of Dibang Multipurpose Project

The public hearing for Dibang Multipurpose Project fixed on March 27 at New Anaya is again being asked for cancellation. This time it’s the organizations from neighbouring Assam that has stepped in demanding for scrapping of Dibang project and hence no public hearing. Demanding cancellation of the public hearing, the Sadiya Mohokma Suraksha Samiti, All Tai Ahom Students Union and various political parties from Sadiya have given a bandh call on March 21. The All Assam Students Union has also extended support to the strike call given. Following the bandh call, the Assam organizations have further declared to intensify its agitation by putting complete ban on vehicular movements towards the state of Arunachal Pradesh into the district of Lower Dibang Valley starting March 23 till the day of public hearing. The decision for the strike and vehicular blockade was taken in a meeting held on March 15 between All Idu Mishmi Students Union and the representatives from the organizations of Assam held in Chapakhowa. The representatives in the meeting have decided to target the NHPC vehicles and to prevent it from entering Arunachal. Besides Assam organizations, the Dibang Valley Students Union led by Anduwa Mihu has also given its clear stand on Dibang Project and reiterated its earlier stand of no dam. The DVSU supporting AIMSU and ICLS call for No Dam has also decided to call for bandh in the Dibang Valley district demanding cancellation of public hearing. The union said that the public hearing fixed few weeks before the parliamentary elections will influence the decision of the local affected people. The people during the election time will be influenced by their political affiliations and hence there will be no true opinion aired during the hearing.

The public hearing for the Dibang project have been so far cancelled for ninth time and besides repeatedly demanding for cancellation of public hearing, AIMSU and ICLS had written earlier to MoEF not to accept application for environmental clearance without the conduct of public hearing. It is evident that neither the govt of Arunachal Pradesh nor the organizations opposing the dams in Dibang basin will concede to their stand on Dibang Multipurpose Project. The community based organizations in Dibang have also called for declaring Dibang Valley as ‘Ecologically sensitive Zone’ which as per the provisions in the Environment Protect Act can put halt to all huge infrastructural projects. Having used all means and strategies in effectively preventing the public consultation process to complete, the ICLS along with AIMSU have come up with a 16 page report to make up a case in invoking the concerns that attracts the provisions under Section 3 sub section (2), clause (v) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The Act provides safeguards to ecologically sensitive fragile areas from industries, operations, processes and activities inimical to the conservation and protection of the environment of such areas. The provisions of the act have been used time to time in certain parts of country prohibiting operations of industries and processes.

In a separate statement, AIMSU General Secretary Tone Mickrow has demanded for a college in Roing. The union says that besides the anti dam movement in Dibang, it will also focus on demand for a college. The union puts it that a college is a development project that involves community participation and unlike dam it does not involve any risks. “College can be the best development project that the govt of Arunachal can give to people of Dibang”, said Mickrow. With AIMSU and ICLS demanding to stop the never ending circus of development, the protest in Dibang seems never ending.

-by Veracity

Anti-Dam Movement gears up-IMCLS & AIMSU demands 'No Dam Zone in Dibang Valley'

Anti-Dam movement has geared up in Dibang Valley with Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) and All Idu Mishmi Students' Union (AIMSU) stating "We don't want project in Dibang Valley and No further public hearing" in response to the notification for public hearing for 3000 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project which is scheduled to be held at New Anaya, Upper Dibang Valley on March, 27^th.

The press release states that coinciding with the 'International Day of Actions against Dams, and for Rivers, Water and Life' on March 14^th, the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) and All Idu Mishmi Students' Union (AIMSU) demands declaration of Dibang Valley as Ecologically Sensitive Zone according to the provision under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 similar to Aravalli Hills where mining is banned; and in line with that they have demanded banning of construction of Mega Projects such as Dams in the region and to declare Dibang Valley as 'No Dam Zone'.

In an open letter to Prime Minister (reproduced below) they have asked the government to stop the cruel circus of development in the name of national interest of which they have little understanding and which do not evoke interests in them considering the impact it would have on the Idu Mishmi community.

(Click on the image for larger view)

They've further prepared a case for declaring Dibang Valley as 'No Dam Zone' under the provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. Find the case here.

Read related story on The Telegraph

Yet another Volcano like Eruption at Arunachal

The unexplained geological activity on the night of 21^st August, 2007 near Kimin hasn’t subsided from the memory of the people yet, when news of similar volcano like eruption has been reported near Kamrung village of Kurung Kumey district.

“A volcano-like explosion of huge force occurred near Kamrung village here on February 18 at around 4.30 pm, burning trees and grasses leaving 2-3 sq. ft. holes in the ground, according to a release.

Two men-Geda Beelo and Khyoda Tasso-who happened to be resting on the spot at the time were thrown away as a result of the explosion.”

-Arunachal Front (8^th March issue)

It has also been reported that this explosion is not of the first kind that occurred in the area but similar explosion occurred at the same spot during the same month in the year 2001. The impact that time was such that there was a localized earthquake, a landslide nearby and a 40 sq. mtr. crack in the ground. The government, on their part at that time had just compensated the villager with INR 600,000 to shift from that location.

After the 21^st August, 2007 eruption at Kimin and this reported eruption which may or may not be volcanic in nature or may just be a fumaroles (only geologists alone can tell), guess it's time that government give a thought to initiate a proper geological study to unearth the cause behind all this unexplained geological activities before the geological activities deep inside the earth wrecks havoc without a warning.

Yet another Volcano like Eruption at Arunachal

The unexplained geological activity on the night of 21^st August, 2007 near Kimin hasn’t subsided from the memory of the people yet, when news of similar volcano like eruption has been reported near Kamrung village of Kurung Kumey district.

“A volcano-like explosion of huge force occurred near Kamrung village here on February 18 at around 4.30 pm, burning trees and grasses leaving 2-3 sq. ft. holes in the ground, according to a release.

Two men-Geda Beelo and Khyoda Tasso-who happened to be resting on the spot at the time were thrown away as a result of the explosion.”

-Arunachal Front (8^th March issue)

It has also been reported that this explosion is not of the first kind that occurred in the area but similar explosion occurred at the same spot during the same month in the year 2001. The impact that time was such that there was a localized earthquake, a landslide nearby and a 40 sq. mtr. crack in the ground. The government, on their part at that time had just compensated the villager with INR 600,000 to shift from that location.

After the 21^st August, 2007 eruption at Kimin and this reported eruption which may or may not be volcanic in nature or may just be a fumaroles (only geologists alone can tell), guess it's time that government give a thought to initiate a proper geological study to unearth the cause behind all this unexplained geological activities before the geological activities deep inside the earth wrecks havoc without a warning.

COLLATERAL DAMAGES

-by Roto Chobin

You may have seen this advertisement in a newspaper or magazine or on TV. What was your first reaction? …Remarkable? …Splendid?

Let’s see what happens to this ad if we tweak it a little bit to suit the real McCoy.

“They really perform a lot of miracles.

And they play a big part

in choking drains.

Each time a consumer throw an empty bottle

they don’t give a damn,

‘Cos they can produce a thousand bottles

to replace it.

I’m terrified of rising junk – each moment.

And it’s going to give us,

a lifetime of headache.

No doubt, they are magicians.

As they can sell their cold drinks - even to Eskimos.

And they can even create a mountain...

…a mountain made up of cans & bottles.

For one little second…

… Can you drop the idea of making monies?”

Now, see this…




Is it awful?…Or is it artistic?

Epilogue

The motive of posting this piece is to sensitize the entire Food and Beverage Company that polythene and plastic wrappers and containers are doing more harm than good to eco-system. If they cannot use bio-degradable materials to pack their products, then they need to provide an alternative to the consumer to dispose these unsafe things in a proper way. To give alms in charity and cleaning up a few places where the Chief Executives usually hold meetings doesn’t imply that they had fulfilled their CSR – they really need to become socially responsible corporation. The mounting of non-biodegradable garbage at every loci attest that FCMG Company has lot to do concerning environment.

COLLATERAL DAMAGES

-by Roto Chobin

You may have seen this advertisement in a newspaper or magazine or on TV. What was your first reaction? …Remarkable? …Splendid?

Let’s see what happens to this ad if we tweak it a little bit to suit the real McCoy.

“They really perform a lot of miracles.

And they play a big part

in choking drains.

Each time a consumer throw an empty bottle

they don’t give a damn,

‘Cos they can produce a thousand bottles

to replace it.

I’m terrified of rising junk – each moment.

And it’s going to give us,

a lifetime of headache.

No doubt, they are magicians.

As they can sell their cold drinks - even to Eskimos.

And they can even create a mountain...

…a mountain made up of cans & bottles.

For one little second…

… Can you drop the idea of making monies?”

Now, see this…




Is it awful?…Or is it artistic?

Epilogue

The motive of posting this piece is to sensitize the entire Food and Beverage Company that polythene and plastic wrappers and containers are doing more harm than good to eco-system. If they cannot use bio-degradable materials to pack their products, then they need to provide an alternative to the consumer to dispose these unsafe things in a proper way. To give alms in charity and cleaning up a few places where the Chief Executives usually hold meetings doesn’t imply that they had fulfilled their CSR – they really need to become socially responsible corporation. The mounting of non-biodegradable garbage at every loci attest that FCMG Company has lot to do concerning environment.

Is the Eruption site still emitting heat and smoke?

When the residents of the Kimin area reported that the eruption site still emits heat and smoke-contrary to what we observed during our visit, there was no reason not to believe them. We decided to substantiate their report by paying yet another visit to the site. So did we visit the eruption site, but contrary to their report the site was as it was during our last visit-no heat, no smoke. The only change and a welcome change indeed, which we observed was, the shop for collecting entry fee was pulled down and no fee collector was at sight and the numbers of visitor were almost reduced to none. Perhaps, the curiosity of the people fizzled out just like the eruption of 21^st August night that fizzled out after erupting lava like matters or melting of electric pole; whatever, making the shop to be pulled down.

The entry to the site

Entry Fee Counter (Pulled Down)

Entry Fee Collection Counter (Another angle)

Related readings:-
Volcanic (?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update
Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…..?

Is the Eruption site still emitting heat and smoke?

When the residents of the Kimin area reported that the eruption site still emits heat and smoke-contrary to what we observed during our visit, there was no reason not to believe them. We decided to substantiate their report by paying yet another visit to the site. So did we visit the eruption site, but contrary to their report the site was as it was during our last visit-no heat, no smoke. The only change and a welcome change indeed, which we observed was, the shop for collecting entry fee was pulled down and no fee collector was at sight and the numbers of visitor were almost reduced to none. Perhaps, the curiosity of the people fizzled out just like the eruption of 21^st August night that fizzled out after erupting lava like matters or melting of electric pole; whatever, making the shop to be pulled down.

The entry to the site

Entry Fee Counter (Pulled Down)

Entry Fee Collection Counter (Another angle)

Related readings:-
Volcanic (?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update
Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…..?

Volcanic(?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update

Substantiating our doubts on the explanation given by experts from WIHG and GSI on the unusual geological activity that occurred on the night of August 21^st at a place some 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, the ZPM, ASM Chairperson of Kimin and PRO Eruption Site Committee has communicated to the Deputy Commissioner that the crater is still emitting smoke and heat and that the people around the eruption site are living in a virtual fear psychosis that eruption may recur and may kill them. Below is the letter:

"Sir,

After the unusual geological happening resembling a volcanic eruption occurred on 21 August at 7 km off Kimin, a team of geologist from Geological Survey of India (GSI), Itanagar first described it to be a volcanic eruption/fisture. But later they reportedly ruled out the possibility of a volcano in their official report.

But the holes from which lava-like materials oozed out are still emitting smoke and heat, indicating some internal activity inside the craters.

Ever since the occurrence of the volcano-like phenomenon, the people here are living in a fear psychosis, fearing that it might be a volcano and that it might recur-and that the GSI report may also be wrong. They are spending sleepless nights, knowing in their hearts that there have been reports from other countries where people have died in colcanic eruptions due to negligence or lack of awareness.

Therefore, on behalf of the people of Kimin, we would like to request the Deputy Commissioner of the district to take necessary steps to cross-check and validate the GSI report, so that no stone is left unturned to avoid any major calamity due to wrong technical analysis/interpretation of the event.

Bamang Mangha, ZPM Kimin;
Tai Tayu, Chairperson, ASM, Kimin;
Nich Kojum;
Bamang Kumar, PRO, Eruption Site Committee."

If the phenomenon was due to electrical short-circuit as claimed by GSI, then what could be the reason for emission of smoke and heat from the crater, still? Isn't it time for the administration to step in and order re-investigation into the entire event/phenomenon?

Related Readings:

Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…….?

Volcanic(?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update

Substantiating our doubts on the explanation given by experts from WIHG and GSI on the unusual geological activity that occurred on the night of August 21^st at a place some 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, the ZPM, ASM Chairperson of Kimin and PRO Eruption Site Committee has communicated to the Deputy Commissioner that the crater is still emitting smoke and heat and that the people around the eruption site are living in a virtual fear psychosis that eruption may recur and may kill them. Below is the letter:

"Sir,

After the unusual geological happening resembling a volcanic eruption occurred on 21 August at 7 km off Kimin, a team of geologist from Geological Survey of India (GSI), Itanagar first described it to be a volcanic eruption/fisture. But later they reportedly ruled out the possibility of a volcano in their official report.

But the holes from which lava-like materials oozed out are still emitting smoke and heat, indicating some internal activity inside the craters.

Ever since the occurrence of the volcano-like phenomenon, the people here are living in a fear psychosis, fearing that it might be a volcano and that it might recur-and that the GSI report may also be wrong. They are spending sleepless nights, knowing in their hearts that there have been reports from other countries where people have died in colcanic eruptions due to negligence or lack of awareness.

Therefore, on behalf of the people of Kimin, we would like to request the Deputy Commissioner of the district to take necessary steps to cross-check and validate the GSI report, so that no stone is left unturned to avoid any major calamity due to wrong technical analysis/interpretation of the event.

Bamang Mangha, ZPM Kimin;
Tai Tayu, Chairperson, ASM, Kimin;
Nich Kojum;
Bamang Kumar, PRO, Eruption Site Committee."

If the phenomenon was due to electrical short-circuit as claimed by GSI, then what could be the reason for emission of smoke and heat from the crater, still? Isn't it time for the administration to step in and order re-investigation into the entire event/phenomenon?

Related Readings:

Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…….?

Eruption (?) at Arunachal - A Photo Feature

O.k. after Wadia Institure of Himalayan Geology, the Deputy Director-General of Geological Survey of India S Basu Mallik, has confirmed that the unusual geological phenomenon reported at the night of August 21^st was nothing geologic but a short-circuit caused by 33 KV high tension power line, generating a lot of heat that melted the powerline pole and also belched out smoke. But nevertheless, we (myself, Cho and Tallo) armed with camera, decided to pay a visit to that site which is some 89.6 Km away from Hapoli towards Kimin.

When we reached the spot we were amused to find people setting up shops to cash in on the events. We were told that an entry fee of Rs. 5/- was required from each and on being questioned why, they showed the signed letter of EAC Kimin which said 'after threadbare discussion with the locals, it was decided an amount of Rs. 5/- would be charged from each visitor' (not the exact word). As the EAC had empowered the people sitting over collection counter we paid 15/- bucks towards entry fee [no receipt was given] and headed to the spot where we took some shots of the spot and here they are-

Guardian of the site

Way to crater

Warning Plate

Crater

Crater (another angle)

Lava like substance

Close-up view

HT line over the crater (the probable culprit)

After hanging around for some 15 to 20 minutes, we left the spot with lots of question on our mind. When the spot has been declared hazardous by the administration, why people been let into the site that too after charging money? Why receipt was not given for entry fee? Would the money collected go to government's treasury? Though GSI has declared that the cause for the 21st August night phenomenon was an electrical short circuit-we couldn't digest it. The reason being-if it was electrical short circuit due to the HV line, how the crater was formed? Wouldn't there only be molten metal part [of reported melted electric pole]? What was that 'lava like' substance and how it were formed?

Eruption (?) at Arunachal - A Photo Feature

O.k. after Wadia Institure of Himalayan Geology, the Deputy Director-General of Geological Survey of India S Basu Mallik, has confirmed that the unusual geological phenomenon reported at the night of August 21^st was nothing geologic but a short-circuit caused by 33 KV high tension power line, generating a lot of heat that melted the powerline pole and also belched out smoke. But nevertheless, we (myself, Cho and Tallo) armed with camera, decided to pay a visit to that site which is some 89.6 Km away from Hapoli towards Kimin.

When we reached the spot we were amused to find people setting up shops to cash in on the events. We were told that an entry fee of Rs. 5/- was required from each and on being questioned why, they showed the signed letter of EAC Kimin which said 'after threadbare discussion with the locals, it was decided an amount of Rs. 5/- would be charged from each visitor' (not the exact word). As the EAC had empowered the people sitting over collection counter we paid 15/- bucks towards entry fee [no receipt was given] and headed to the spot where we took some shots of the spot and here they are-

Guardian of the site

Way to crater

Warning Plate

Crater

Crater (another angle)

Lava like substance

Close-up view

HT line over the crater (the probable culprit)

After hanging around for some 15 to 20 minutes, we left the spot with lots of question on our mind. When the spot has been declared hazardous by the administration, why people been let into the site that too after charging money? Why receipt was not given for entry fee? Would the money collected go to government's treasury? Though GSI has declared that the cause for the 21st August night phenomenon was an electrical short circuit-we couldn't digest it. The reason being-if it was electrical short circuit due to the HV line, how the crater was formed? Wouldn't there only be molten metal part [of reported melted electric pole]? What was that 'lava like' substance and how it were formed?

A Volcanic Activity or…..? (Updated)

The recent unexplained geological activity near Kimin has taken everyone by surprise- from natives of the place to passer by (those traveling to and from Ziro to North Lakhimpur and Itanagar) to geologists alike.

It was reported that at a mountain 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, activity similar to volcanic eruption i.e., expulsion of hot gases and lava like substances accompanied by frequent explosion had started on August 21^st night which finally subsided by 24^th leaving behind 2 & ½ meter wide crater-creating enough curiosity for the natives, passer by and the experts to throng to the site.

The natives are terming this unusual natural phenomenon as ‘Chigum Karli’-eruption or shooting of lava from inside the earth while the experts has diverse opinion about this phenomenon-right from outright rejecting any possibility of volcanic activity in the region to fumarolic activity to not ruling out any possibility of volcanic activity till the test analysis report is available. Yes, sample has been sent to Kolkata for detailed analysis so as to ascertain this unnatural phenomenon.

So, till final test analysis is available it won’t be certain if Kimin is sitting right over the Volcanic hot-bed or if the recent geological activity was any indication of Volcanic activity? Or as some experts feel, if it was just another fumarolic activity?

Update (31-08-2007): In an NETV report appearing today, geologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where the sample was sent for analysis, has concluded after intensive test of the sample that the geological activity witnessed on August 21^st last was not a volcanic activity.

A Volcanic Activity or…..? (Updated)

The recent unexplained geological activity near Kimin has taken everyone by surprise- from natives of the place to passer by (those traveling to and from Ziro to North Lakhimpur and Itanagar) to geologists alike.

It was reported that at a mountain 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, activity similar to volcanic eruption i.e., expulsion of hot gases and lava like substances accompanied by frequent explosion had started on August 21^st night which finally subsided by 24^th leaving behind 2 & ½ meter wide crater-creating enough curiosity for the natives, passer by and the experts to throng to the site.

The natives are terming this unusual natural phenomenon as ‘Chigum Karli’-eruption or shooting of lava from inside the earth while the experts has diverse opinion about this phenomenon-right from outright rejecting any possibility of volcanic activity in the region to fumarolic activity to not ruling out any possibility of volcanic activity till the test analysis report is available. Yes, sample has been sent to Kolkata for detailed analysis so as to ascertain this unnatural phenomenon.

So, till final test analysis is available it won’t be certain if Kimin is sitting right over the Volcanic hot-bed or if the recent geological activity was any indication of Volcanic activity? Or as some experts feel, if it was just another fumarolic activity?

Update (31-08-2007): In an NETV report appearing today, geologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where the sample was sent for analysis, has concluded after intensive test of the sample that the geological activity witnessed on August 21^st last was not a volcanic activity.

Our Feathered Friends are in Danger

-Gyati Tallo

A man from Delhi who visited Ziro told his friends, among other things, that in the vast area of mountains and hills covered with trees and grasses, he did not saw any bird on his way from Kimin to Ziro which is about three hours drive. He wondered if there were no birds in this part of the world.

“No wonder,” one Arunachalee student of Delhi University said. “Ours is a land of hunters. To expect of birds-even rats and snakes are not spared.”

The old folks of Yazali, Yachuli and Ziro, however, felt that the area is still quite rich in bird populations. Sight of birds in roadside and jhum or cultivated area depends on the different times of day and the different seasons of year. They also acknowledged having spotted almost all the bird species mentioned and illustrated in the Salim Ali’s ‘FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS’ in the area, though not all of them have local names. They also agreed upon the fact that the numbers of various bird populations are dwindling due to hunting or may also be due to addition of more and more of forest land under cultivation area.

The bird populations, frequented in vicinity of cultivated area, are different species of pigeons, wagtails, kites, hawks, eagles, kingfishers, hoopoes, owls, hornbills, jungle fowls etc. A good number of migratory birds also visit this area. The birds such as heron, ducks, cranes and others used this area, especially the Ziro valley, as a stop over for their long journey from Siberia or Tibet to the plains of India and back. This author is told that some species of the migratory birds (also known as game birds) are conspicuously missing since last four – five years. “Now they seemed to have changed their path for the fear of hunters,” Said one bird lover.

Hunting is quite popular in the area, particularly in Ziro valley. Ring road in Ziro has served at least one purpose- easy access to otherwise undisturbed wooded forest some four years ago. Today one sees hunters roaming about here with improvised guns, round the clock, and hunting whatever they see on their way- deer, monkey, birds and so on. Birds being the most easily visible prey are the soft target.

In fact hunting is a popular sport of the people of Arunachal. Along with illiterate and uneducated villagers, government officials and public leaders with improvised guns have joined the race. Such a culprit has been booked and punished elsewhere in the world but the law enforcing agencies of the state are, to some extent, blind to such activities.

“What a rubbish!” said an old man from Hari village when this author told him that the killing of birds such as hoopoe, hornbill etc., which are the threatened species, is offence against the law. “If birds are not to be hunted and relished, what is it for?” He is an illiterate lot. He is not aware of what we were taught in our schools; that every living organism has their own role in an ecosystem.

In fact birds are benefactor of man in many ways. They exercise a very important role of biological control. The birds such as flycatcher, hoopoe, woodpecker and others (in fact most of the birds) control the population of insect pests by feeding on them. In their absence, these pests would multiply in numbers and cause havoc to our commercial trees and crops. We can imagine how devastating these pests could be from the fact that when locusts move on in swarms, extending many kilometres, devour anything of grasses and leaves that come their way. Some birds known as the birds of prey such as owl, hawk eagle etc., kill and devour thousands of field mice, rats, ground squirrel etc., which are menace to our agricultural crops. Besides, they are an important agent of seed dispersal and thus conserve the forest. The man did not plant those huge trees of the woods; it is the birds, wild animals and some natural agents that did it. The bird that feeds on fruits of the tree also engulfs their seeds which come out with their droppings in some distant places and sprout out into seedlings.

Needles to mention, birds enhance the natural beauties of the area.

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Moreover, in these days of eco-tourism, Arunachal Pradesh has huge potential to become its destination and bird watching and bird hunting (with cameras not with guns) are very much the part of the eco-tourists. Once we stop killing birds for our pleasure, restore their habitat and they are coming back in good numbers, we will be able to attract many such tourists, especially the foreign tourists, which will boost the tourism industry of the state.

Do we need to think twice before shouldering our responsibility? Let us save and protect our feathered friends. Hunting surely is an exciting sport. What a noble idea it would be to hunt birds and wild animals with cameras in place of guns!

Our Feathered Friends are in Danger

-Gyati Tallo

A man from Delhi who visited Ziro told his friends, among other things, that in the vast area of mountains and hills covered with trees and grasses, he did not saw any bird on his way from Kimin to Ziro which is about three hours drive. He wondered if there were no birds in this part of the world.

“No wonder,” one Arunachalee student of Delhi University said. “Ours is a land of hunters. To expect of birds-even rats and snakes are not spared.”

The old folks of Yazali, Yachuli and Ziro, however, felt that the area is still quite rich in bird populations. Sight of birds in roadside and jhum or cultivated area depends on the different times of day and the different seasons of year. They also acknowledged having spotted almost all the bird species mentioned and illustrated in the Salim Ali’s ‘FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS’ in the area, though not all of them have local names. They also agreed upon the fact that the numbers of various bird populations are dwindling due to hunting or may also be due to addition of more and more of forest land under cultivation area.

The bird populations, frequented in vicinity of cultivated area, are different species of pigeons, wagtails, kites, hawks, eagles, kingfishers, hoopoes, owls, hornbills, jungle fowls etc. A good number of migratory birds also visit this area. The birds such as heron, ducks, cranes and others used this area, especially the Ziro valley, as a stop over for their long journey from Siberia or Tibet to the plains of India and back. This author is told that some species of the migratory birds (also known as game birds) are conspicuously missing since last four – five years. “Now they seemed to have changed their path for the fear of hunters,” Said one bird lover.

Hunting is quite popular in the area, particularly in Ziro valley. Ring road in Ziro has served at least one purpose- easy access to otherwise undisturbed wooded forest some four years ago. Today one sees hunters roaming about here with improvised guns, round the clock, and hunting whatever they see on their way- deer, monkey, birds and so on. Birds being the most easily visible prey are the soft target.

In fact hunting is a popular sport of the people of Arunachal. Along with illiterate and uneducated villagers, government officials and public leaders with improvised guns have joined the race. Such a culprit has been booked and punished elsewhere in the world but the law enforcing agencies of the state are, to some extent, blind to such activities.

“What a rubbish!” said an old man from Hari village when this author told him that the killing of birds such as hoopoe, hornbill etc., which are the threatened species, is offence against the law. “If birds are not to be hunted and relished, what is it for?” He is an illiterate lot. He is not aware of what we were taught in our schools; that every living organism has their own role in an ecosystem.

In fact birds are benefactor of man in many ways. They exercise a very important role of biological control. The birds such as flycatcher, hoopoe, woodpecker and others (in fact most of the birds) control the population of insect pests by feeding on them. In their absence, these pests would multiply in numbers and cause havoc to our commercial trees and crops. We can imagine how devastating these pests could be from the fact that when locusts move on in swarms, extending many kilometres, devour anything of grasses and leaves that come their way. Some birds known as the birds of prey such as owl, hawk eagle etc., kill and devour thousands of field mice, rats, ground squirrel etc., which are menace to our agricultural crops. Besides, they are an important agent of seed dispersal and thus conserve the forest. The man did not plant those huge trees of the woods; it is the birds, wild animals and some natural agents that did it. The bird that feeds on fruits of the tree also engulfs their seeds which come out with their droppings in some distant places and sprout out into seedlings.

Needles to mention, birds enhance the natural beauties of the area.

Moreover, in these days of eco-tourism, Arunachal Pradesh has huge potential to become its destination and bird watching and bird hunting (with cameras not with guns) are very much the part of the eco-tourists. Once we stop killing birds for our pleasure, restore their habitat and they are coming back in good numbers, we will be able to attract many such tourists, especially the foreign tourists, which will boost the tourism industry of the state.

Do we need to think twice before shouldering our responsibility? Let us save and protect our feathered friends. Hunting surely is an exciting sport. What a noble idea it would be to hunt birds and wild animals with cameras in place of guns!