Itanagar: In a bid to promote wildlife tourism and conservation, a new birdwatching tower was inaugurated in Borguli village on the bank of river Siang in Arunachal Pradesh‘s East Siang district on Sunday.
N. Tam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife & Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden inaugurated the tower, adjacent to the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS).
The tower, built by the Ratan Welfare Society under the Mission Ta:tang and Eco-Clean Mebo Mission, aims to promote wildlife tourism and birdwatching in the region.
The bird-watching tower is designed to appeal to both domestic and international bird enthusiasts.
Speaking at the event, N. Tam explained that the tower would not only attract birdwatchers but also provide employment for local youth.
He pointed out that the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity, including the critically endangered Bengal Florican, makes it a popular destination for tourists.
“This initiative demonstrates the potential of eco-tourism to benefit local communities while preserving the unique flora and fauna of the region. Projects like these contribute significantly to sustainable development and conservation,” Tam emphasized.
Professor Otem Padung of Rajiv Gandhi University urged the local community to capitalize on the region’s tourism potential while preserving its natural heritage.
He suggested incorporating activities like boating and fishing to enhance the visitor experience.
“This bird-watching tower, along with eco-tourism avenues like fishing and boating, has the potential to make Borguli a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts,” Prof. Padung remarked.
Kamal Bawa, founding president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), underscored the importance of community participation in conservation efforts.
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The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (Mebo) Sibo Passing, DFO of D. Ering WLS Kempy Ete, Eco-Clean Mebo Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin, and prominent environmentalists and academicians.
