Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein says the Namdapha Butterfly Festival has the potential to evolve into a major platform for eco-tourism and biodiversity research, while promoting community participation and sustainable development in eastern Arunachal Pradesh
Miao, Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday underscored the need to elevate the Namdapha Butterfly Festival into a prominent eco-tourism and research initiative, saying the event could play a crucial role in showcasing the state’s rich natural heritage to a wider audience.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the festival’s ninth edition at Miao in Changlang district, Mein said the annual event has steadily grown since its inception and now possesses the potential to attract greater interest from researchers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers from across the country and abroad.
Referring to the ecological significance of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, he noted that the region offers immense opportunities for nature-based tourism, ranging from trekking and wildlife observation to adventure activities and biodiversity studies. He said the area’s exceptional natural wealth could become a strong driver of sustainable tourism if supported by adequate infrastructure and long-term planning.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the importance of involving local communities, particularly the youth, in tourism-related ventures. According to him, community participation would not only generate livelihood opportunities but also strengthen conservation efforts by creating greater awareness about the region’s unique ecosystems.
Calling for continued efforts to promote Namdapha at national and international forums, Mein said Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to emerge as one of India’s leading destinations for eco-tourism, provided its natural assets are effectively showcased and responsibly managed.
During his visit to Miao, Mein also reviewed progress on the construction of a permanent State Sports Academy. He later inaugurated a Maternity and Child Care Centre under the Community Health Centre as well as a Youth Activity and Development Centre aimed at expanding services for local residents.
The programme was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Chief Minister’s Adviser and Miao-Vijoynagar MLA Kamlung Mosang, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden Samuel Changkija, among other officials.
The Namdapha Butterfly Festival is organised to highlight the area’s extraordinary butterfly diversity and promote awareness of conservation, while drawing attention to the broader ecological importance of one of India’s most biodiverse protected landscapes.
