Itanagar: Aohali, a village in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, has officially been declared the state’s first ‘Zero Hunting Village.’
Aohali is mostly inhabited by the Idu-Mishmi tribe of the state.
A welcome gate bearing the sign “Aohali – Zero Hunting Village” was unveiled on Monday by the Home Minister’s adviser Mutchu Mithi.
This voluntary declaration by the Idu-Mishmi people of Aohali marks a significant step toward combating biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance.
“Aohali, home to the Idu-Mishmi tribe, has made history as Arunachal Pradesh’s first Zero Hunting Village,” CM Pema Khandu posted on his X handle.
Aohali, home to the Idu-Mishmi tribe, has made history as Arunachal Pradesh’s first 'Zero Hunting Village'.
This giant step reflects a deep commitment to wildlife conservation while preserving indigenous traditions.
Congratulations to the people of Aohali and Hon'ble MLA Shri… pic.twitter.com/g3k3lJaYs7
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) February 4, 2025
This giant step reflects a deep commitment to wildlife conservation while preserving indigenous traditions, he said.
Khandu said, “Congratulations to the people of Aohali and Hon’ble MLA Shri Oken Tayeng Ji for this visionary initiative, which is an inspiring model of sustainability.”
The zero-hunting policy aims to protect wildlife, preserve the environment, and promote sustainable development.
The declaration is part of the ongoing Eco Clean Mebo Mission, focused on environmental conservation and community welfare.
The initiative reflects a wider commitment to conserving nature and protecting wildlife from the dual threats of hunting and habitat loss.
The initiative also seeks to enhance local livelihoods through agriculture, horticulture, and tourism while maintaining the cultural heritage of the community.
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While hunting has been a part of tribal life for centuries, the people of Aohali have now taken a significant step by voluntarily adopting a zero-hunting policy in recognition of growing concerns over biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance.
Local MLA Oken Tayeng along with MLAs Tapi Darang and Oni Panyang was present during the event.
