Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that India’s success in protecting tigers demonstrates that sustained conservation efforts can deliver tangible results. On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Khandu urged people to reaffirm their resolve to safeguard big cats and their fragile ecosystem. He stated that India, home to the world’s largest wild tiger population, has shown that dedicated conservation efforts can make a real difference.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also stressed the need to protect the tiger, describing it as one of nature’s most magnificent creations. He said Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with some of India’s richest tiger habitats, where pristine forests and rich biodiversity provide a haven for the species. Mein added that conserving the tiger means conserving forests and the ecological balance that sustains us all.
International Tiger Day, observed every year on 29 July, seeks to raise global awareness about the need to conserve tigers and their habitats. To mark the occasion, the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited, jointly organised a plantation drive at the Government Upper Primary School (GUPS), Lobi.
The programme aimed to instil a sense of environmental responsibility among the younger generation and inspire students to work towards a more sustainable future. YMCR vice chairman Keyom Doni said that initiatives like the plantation drive are essential to nurture environmental consciousness from a young age. Alongside the plantation drive, a quiz competition was conducted to give students greater exposure and encourage learning beyond the classrooms.
A total of 21 students, divided into eight teams, took part in the competition. The first position was jointly won by Rou Yangfo, Hakan Payeng, and Asha Nilling, while the second position was jointly secured by Tatung Omang and Nitu Karjee. The in-charge of GUPS Lobi appreciated the efforts of the NGO and commended the volunteers for their dedicated service in helping students gain new knowledge and experience.
The event served as a reminder that conservation is not just about protecting a species, but about protecting the entire ecosystem that sustains us. By marking International Tiger Day with young students at Lobi, the organizers aimed to inspire a new generation of environmental custodians.
