HT Correspondent
WAKRO, Oct 23: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the 2nd Wakro Butterfly Meet on Thursday, organised as part of the 8th Northeast Butterfly Meet at Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, in Wakro, Lohit district.
The event celebrated Arunachal Pradesh’s extraordinary butterfly diversity and served as a platform to promote eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and environmental awareness.
Related Posts:
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the Kamlang Valley Nature Club, the Butterflies of North Eastern India Group, and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary authorities, along with researchers, experts, and volunteers for their commitment to preserving the State’s ecological richness.
Mein said that the event reflects the growing environmental consciousness among the youth, who are emerging as the “true custodians of biodiversity.”
“Butterflies are integral to our ecological balance. Events such as the Namdapha Butterfly Meet and Ziro Butterfly Meet have inspired awareness and conservation efforts across the Northeast. It is heartening to witness the same enthusiasm here at Wakro, especially among the youth,” Mein remarked.
Highlighting the State Government’s emphasis on sustainable and community-based tourism, the Deputy Chief Minister announced plans to develop a Nature Trail and an Angling Spot in the Kamlang area to promote responsible tourism and generate livelihood opportunities for local communities.
He said such initiatives would help strike a meaningful balance between progress and preservation.
Mein also shared his long-term vision of establishing a Butterfly Park in a suitable and ecologically sensitive region of Arunachal Pradesh — a dedicated space for research, conservation, and eco-tourism that would serve as both an educational and scientific centre for biodiversity enthusiasts.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that 582 butterfly species have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh so far, with new species still being discovered regularly — reaffirming the State’s position as one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the country.
Stressing the interlink between conservation and holistic development, Mein said that promoting eco-tourism must go hand in hand with preserving natural resources. “Arunachal’s development must always remain aligned with nature. We must progress, and at the same time, we must conserve and protect our environment too,” he said.
He further spoke about the government’s efforts to integrate heritage, culture, and conservation in tourism promotion.
Referring to events such as the Sunrise Festival in Anjaw, Walong Day commemorating the 1962 War, and the Namsai to Namti Cycle Expedition, Mein said these initiatives reflect the State’s community spirit and shared legacy.
He also mentioned that with the Frontier Highway progressing up to Vijaynagar, new avenues are emerging for eco-tourism and connectivity-driven sustainable development, opening doors for livelihood generation and regional growth.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s natural treasures and promote a model of development that harmoniously integrates culture, community, and conservation.
