Arunachal Pradesh's Airgun Surrender Campaign

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated28/12/2021

In the 84th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi mentioned and lauded Arunachal Pradesh's Airgun Surrender Campaign, one that has been helping in saving several wild lives.
Wildlife is an important part of the biodiversity that human beings share space with.
However, these living creatures face the threat of hunting, climate change impact, and more, which has impacted not only their population but their existence too.

The Airgun Surrender Campaign started early this year in March.
Under the campaign, the people of Arunachal Pradesh are voluntarily surrendering their airguns in an effort to stop the indiscriminate hunting of birds.
During the launch of the campaign at Lumdung in East Kameng district, 46 airguns were surrendered.
As of now, more than 1,600 airguns have voluntarily been surrendered by the people in the State.

Arunachal Pradesh, the rainforest-rich state is severely affected by indigenous hunting.
The state has several indigenous tribes that engage in hunting activities for food, trade, culture, and more.
Of the species hunted, 20 are endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened on the IUCN Red List.
However, over time, conservation awareness and community-based conservation projects have been assisting in controlling the severity and extent of this hunting problem.
One such state initiative has motivated people from the state to give up hunting by surrendering their air pistols.

One of the seven sisters of Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 500 species of birds.
These include indigenous species, some endemic only to the State.
From critically endangered birds like the white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis) to rare sightings of butterflies, found around 20 years ago in China, the state houses rare, unique birds.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots.
It houses rare flora and fauna, such as red panda (Ailurus fulgens), seen in the Pangchen Valley near Zemithang of Tawang District.
The rich faunal biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh comprises 216 species of mammals, 119 species of reptiles, 53 species of Amphibian, 218 species of Pisces, and 770 species of birds along with many other unreported species.