ITANAGAR, 9 Oct: The Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (EF&CC) concluded the weeklong celebrations of the 72nd state-level Wildlife Week (2-8 October) with an event at the state banquet hall here on Friday.

Celebrated under the national theme 'Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife', the event was attended by EF&CC Minister Wangki Lowang and adviser Wanglin Lowangdong, alongside PCCF Santosh Kumar and others.

In his address, Lowang underscored that wildlife is a fundamental part of Arunachal Pradesh' vast natural landscape, and urged officers and communities to work in unison to protect critical wildlife corridors and manage human-wildlife conflict using modern technological interventions.

Lowangdong lauded the selfless dedication of frontline personnel and emphasised the enduring tribal ethos of coexistence.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of annual performance awards. The Pasighat Forest Division was adjudged the 'best performing forest division' in the state for its outstanding multi-range outreach, community mobilisation, and field initiatives.

Notably, Pasighat spearheaded the revival of the renowned Airgun Surrender Abhiyan - which originally took root in Pasighat in 2021 - witnessing fresh voluntary surrenders of hunting weapons during the week.

The Khellong Forest Division and Kamlang Tiger Reserve received special mentions for exemplary habitat monitoring and grassroots conservation stewardship.

To recognise distinguished service, 13 frontline personnel and officers were conferred departmental commendation certificates. Among the recipients were Dr Sorang Tadap (Biological Park, Itanagar), Tarh Najuk (Pakke Tiger Reserve), Jumbin Dini (Pasighat Division), Diwang Lowang (Deomali Division), and community protection squad members from the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve.

Specialised wildlife field kits were also distributed to ground staffers in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

A documentary titled Successful Hoolock Gibbon Rescue Operation in Roing was screened on the occasion, besides the release of a scientific publication, Orchids of Namdapha National Park, authored by Dr Jambey Tsering and Dr Tajum Yomcha, and a presentation on 'Wildlife Management in Arunachal Pradesh: Status and Vision'.