The eastern Himalayas witnessed a vibrant celebration of nature as the 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival concluded successfully. Held from November 26 to 28 at Khachang village in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, the event was a collaborative effort by the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve authority, conservation organisations, and local communities.
A Gathering for Conservation and Community
The three-day festival served as a crucial platform for butterfly enthusiasts, leading conservationists, and community members. Its core mission was to promote environmental awareness and bolster efforts to protect the rich biodiversity of the eastern Himalayan region. Despite the butterfly season nearing its end, the event proved remarkably fruitful in documentation.
Participants recorded an impressive 126 different butterfly species. This documentation provides valuable new insights into the incredible biological wealth housed within the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve. The festival attracted a diverse national audience, with attendees travelling from states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Assam.
Institutional Support and Local Backbone
The event saw participation from premier institutions, including the Wildlife Institute of India, Rajiv Gandhi University, Mizoram University, and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). N Tam, the principal chief conservator of forests who attended as chief guest, emphasised the festival's significance. He stated it marked an important step forward in promoting long-term, community-driven conservation in one of India's most ecologically vital landscapes.
The festival's success was deeply rooted in local involvement. Youth organisations like the Khachang-Maithingpum Youth Forum, New Yumchum Youth Association, and Miao Singpho Ramma Hpung played key roles. They collaborated with educational institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Miao and the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. Local self-help groups and homestays provided hospitality, creating economic opportunities and promoting a model of sustainable tourism.
Cultural Heritage Meets Environmentalism
The inaugural session was enlivened by vibrant cultural performances from the Singpho, Longchang, and Tikhak communities. These performances beautifully highlighted the intrinsic connection between the region's cultural heritage and its conservation values. The event was also graced by deputy commissioner Vishal Sah and Gaon Burahs (village heads) from Kachang, New Yumchum, and Maithungpung villages, underscoring the administration's support.
The 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival has set a powerful precedent. It demonstrates how scientific inquiry, institutional expertise, and active community stewardship can intertwine to protect India's natural treasures for future generations.
