ZIRO, 2 Oct: The Hapoli Forest Division, in collaboration with the Apatani Student Union, organized a series of inter-school and inter-collegiate literary and creative competitions to inspire environmental stewardship among youth as part of the upcoming first Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival 2026 at Pange, Tale Wildlife Sanctuary and the 72nd Wildlife Week 2026.

In the essay competition Yangbiu Chipi (class 10) of Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli secured the first position. Toko Minia (Class 10) of Nime Ashram School, Old Ziro and Buru Hannah of Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli won the second and third positions, respectively.

In the poetry and elocution competition, Bijoyta Sharma a B.Ed student of Mudo Tamo Memorial College, Hapoli won first position. Bomri Mary Gamlin, a third-semester student of St Claret College, Ziro, took the second prize, while Rajiya Khatun, a class 12 student of Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro, won the third prize.

In the drawing competition, Koj Monyo (Class 9) of ABYSS Institute of Science, Hapoli won the first prize. The second and third prizes were won by Toko Nuin (Class 10) of VKV, Ziro and Bamin Tilling Gra (Class 11) of Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro, respectively.

The organizers said that the competitions provided a platform for students to express their creativity and thoughts on biodiversity, habitat protection, and nature conservation.

Hapoli Forest Division DFO Tilling Takar emphasized the importance of such student-centric initiatives for raising environmental awareness and inspiring young people to become responsible custodians of Tale Wildlife Sanctuary's rich natural heritage.

A total of 231 students from 12 schools and two colleges across Lower Subansiri district took part in the competitions. (DIPRO)