LIKABALI, May 5: Following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, at least forty-two Air guns were surrendered by the people of Likabali constituency during the Arunachal Airgun Surrender Abhiyaan (AASA) organized by the Department of Environment & Forest, Lower Siang at circuit house on Wednesday.    

Addressing the gathering, Minister Mama Natung appreciated the positive response from the public towards the campaign and also understanding the importance of wildlife. He appealed the gathering to create awareness among those people who are unaware of the importance of flora & fauna and on Covid-19 pandemic.

He also urged upon the people to shun the culture of mass killing of fish and other aquatic life by generator and other means.

 AASA is a voluntary campaign with a motive to preserve our rich flora and fauna, said the Minister while informing that  all funds used for it is volunteered by few like-minded people and it has no connection with state government exchequer. “There are rumours among people that the campaign involves huge funds from the state exchequer. But the reality is that there is no such separate fund allotted for the campaign," he said adding that the Airgun surrender programmes are organized by the concerned District Environment & Forest department in collaboration with local MLA, DC, and  NGOs .

“We are making all efforts to make the campaign a huge success for the greater interest of the state and its people. Therefore, such thoughts should never be in any individual's mind,” he said.

He also appealed that people volunteering to surrender Airguns may surrender it to respective district range forest officers following the Covid-19 standard operating procedures issued in public interest by respective district administrations.

Encouraging the public gathered to join in the campaign to maintain ecological balance in nature, Advisor to Minister Environment & Forest, Kumsi Sidisow said that it is our responsibility to preserve and protect wildlife.

Meanwhile, supporting the campaign, local MLA Kardo Nyigyor assured all help from his end to persuade the public of his constituency to avoid animal hunting.

He said it is the first Airgun surrender programme in the district and has witnessed a huge support from the public. He also thanked the minister for setting up a permanent WRD office in the district headquarters.

Earlier, Natung, during his visit to Malinithan archeological site inaugurated the shopping complex and parking zone at the archeological site. He appealed to the public of the area to maintain cleanliness and protect the historical site.

Natung also informed that two security guards are being deployed in the archeological site so that the site is protected. Natung and Sidisow have assured financial assistance to the Malinithan Vikash Parishad (MVP) for the maintenance of the archeological site. 

Among others, Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner AK Singh, PCCF RK Singh and heads of department were present during the programme which was held with the lowest gathering, maintaining Covid-19 standard operating procedures.