DC Meluri, Mhathung Tsanglao speaking during inaugural of the 7th Hornbill Angling Festival, held at Tekümle along the Tizu River, Meluri on December 7. (DIPR Photo)
Meluri, December 5 (MExN): The two-day 7th Hornbill Angling Festival, themed “Save Mahseer,” commenced at Tekümle along the Tizu River in Meluri district on December 5, bringing together anglers, conservation enthusiasts and fisheries experts to promote sustainable fishing and eco-tourism.
Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Commissioner of Meluri, Mhathung Tsanglao, highlighted the need for sustainable tourism and conservation of river biodiversity, particularly the mahseer, Nagaland’s state fish.
Tsanglao thanked the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Anglers Association of Nagaland (AAN) and Yitsuri Khel of Meluri village for enabling the district to be part of the Hornbill Festival through the angling edition. He said the event had placed Meluri not only on the angling map but also as an emerging tourism destination.
Urging participants from outside the district to serve as ambassadors of Meluri, he described the area as “the land of fortunes,” and encouraged visitors to explore nearby attractions including Shilloi Lake and the Indo-Myanmar border at Avangkhu.
Focusing on the festival theme, the Deputy Commissioner said the mahseer is more than a prized catch, calling it a symbol of healthy freshwater ecosystems. He said destructive fishing practices must be stopped to protect rivers and fish species, including the use of dynamites, gelatine sticks, electric currents, pesticides, bleaching powder and random gill nets. He suggested regulating fish size, protecting spawning habitats and promoting catch-and-release angling for long-term conservation.
Tsanglao expressed happiness over the formation of the Meluri District Anglers Association, to be formally launched during the festival, and hoped it would become a guardian of rivers and biodiversity. He appealed to the Fisheries Department to explore eco-tourism projects at Shilloi Lake, which covers around 11 hectares, to support sustainable fisheries development.
Calling for collective responsibility, he said anglers, local communities, government authorities and visitors must work together to conserve aquatic life. He added that the festival should inspire unity and environmental stewardship among youth and communities.
During an awareness session, Phukato Zhimomi, Senior Advisor of AAN, spoke on “Activities of AAN on Mahseer,” highlighting conservation efforts and responsible angling practices. Neitho-o Kuotsu, Joint Director, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, delivered a talk on “Emerging Trends on Fisheries-based Eco-tourism,” emphasizing the potential of sport fishing in rural livelihood and sustainable development.
Earlier, a felicitation programme for AAN officials was held. The event included an interactive session, Chairman’s remarks, and a recreational evening with bonfire and karaoke.
The festival will continue with angling competitions and awareness activities at the Tizu River on December 6.
